I’m a firm believer in not jumping the gun on birthday celebrations. For some reason I’ve always felt uncomfortable partying before a milestone has been reached: tempting fate innit? So after enjoying Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday celebrations in Hyde Park this evening, I really hope the man himself actually makes it to his actual birthday on July 18. Tonight, he looked very frail when he was shuffled on stage (by Geri Halliwell – WTF!?) to thank the 46,664 “friends and supporters” who’d come to wish him a Happy Birthday. 46664 was Mandela’s prisoner number when he was incarcerated on Robben Island by South Africa’s apartheid regime. Tonight Will Smith, Annie Lennox and the Soweto Gospel Choir were highlights. Amy Winehouse had her usual stab at stealing the headlines, singing “Free Blakey My Fella” instead of the usual chorus when she performed Free Nelson Mandela. Tacky. But then we know that don’t we?
© 2008 simon
