Freedomfest: Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday Celebratation

Original title: Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute

TV Special
19881988
1h 57min

Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute (1988)

Wembley Stadium hosts a concert featuring stars from the fields of music, comedy and film, in celebration of the 70th birthday of imprisoned ANC leader Nelson Mandela.Wembley Stadium hosts a concert featuring stars from the fields of music, comedy and film, in celebration of the 70th birthday of imprisoned ANC leader Nelson Mandela.Wembley Stadium hosts a concert featuring stars from the fields of music, comedy and film, in celebration of the 70th birthday of imprisoned ANC leader Nelson Mandela.

7.7/10

Writer
- Kim Fuller
Stars

Top credits

See production, box office & company info

1User review

See production, box office & company info

Awards
- 1 win & 2 nominations total

Sting at an event for Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute (1988)

Mark Knopfler at an event for Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute (1988)

Eric Clapton at an event for Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute (1988)

Tony Hollingsworth of Tribute spent 12 months organising this colossal event which was broadcast to 67 countries for 11.5 hours, reaching an audience of 600 million and setting a record (which still stands) for the highest-ever world rating for an entertainment broadcast. At the beginning of the campaign, Nelson Mandela was referred to by the world's press as "the black terrorist leader of the ANC. After the event they talked of him as "the imprisoned leader of the ANC". —Neil McCartney (neil@tribute3ml.com)

nelson mandela birthday concert film tv special character name in title

Genres
- Documentary
- Music
Parents guide
- Add content advisory

Trivia
The concert, which was on behalf of Nelson Mandela who was then in jail in South Africa, was aired live in Great Britain. The BBC cut away frequently when the performers gave political speeches. But when the program aired in the United States, Fox Television systematically deleted all political references.

Connections
Featured in Whitney (2018)

Soundtracks
If You Love Somebody (Set Them Free)
Written by Sting
Performed by Sting

Top review

The most amazing concert ever

I had the opportunity to be here on the day all the stars came out to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.

I have to say the greatest surprise for me was to witness the amazing talent of Whitney Houston. I must confess that i was not the greatest fan of hers until i had the honour of hearing that Gospel influenced voice of hers. I have never been so mesmerized by any singer before or for that matter since.

Her vocal ability, strength and range completely commanded the 100,000 strong crowd.

For me it was incredible to witness such an amazing performance.

Anyone who appreciates the human voice as an instrument.......this is one moment not to be missed.

Whitney was the star among stars.

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