Yesterday, the world lost one of its greatest inspirations for peace, justice and freedom. Nelson Mandela’s leadership in the struggle against apartheid influenced musicians in South Africa and around the world.
Tom Schnabel of Los Angeles’ public radio station KCRW featured a handful of the songs inspired by Mandela in a Rhythm Planet episode this past summer. Likewise, music played a huge role in Mandela’s life, as an NPR piece from this morning highlighted—listening to Bob Marley’s Exodus on cassette for Mandela and his fellow prisoners was almost like “prayer time.”
And yesterday, musicians took to Twitter to express their gratitude and reverence for Mandela’s life’s work. Here’s what a few Levitt performers had to say.
Mandela! Maximum respect ! We Celebrate your life and your triumph..A moral compass of a generation..
— Rocky Dawuni (@RockyDawuni) December 5, 2013
May you rest in peace Mr Mandela! Thank you for all you did for so many! pic.twitter.com/fD8lkzBSux
— LeRoy Bell (@LeRoyBell) December 6, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela…no words
— Jeff Coffin (@JeffCoffinMusic) December 6, 2013
Nelson Mandela, Inspiration To World, Dies At 95 http://t.co/qJTfjYXA3R
— sara hickman (@sarahickman) December 6, 2013
What a beautiful man. Our hearts weep. #RIP #NelsonMandela. pic.twitter.com/lOPhaWxLEO
— Sultans of String (@sultansofstring) December 5, 2013
Nelson. Peaceful Warrior. Rest Easy. Rest Proud. Thank You. http://t.co/cgtcXAPrmS
— Joe Craven (@joecraven) December 6, 2013
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." N. Mandela
— Gaby Moreno (@gaby_moreno) December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela has gone home. After he was falsely imprisioned for 27 years and became his nations leader rather… http://t.co/ePGXOwIGSJ
— Radney Foster (@RadneyFoster) December 6, 2013
While the AfroBeatles and Kirk Whalum had sonic tributes:
And finally, Mayor A.C. Wharton of Memphis:
The world has lost a true giant with the passing of Nelson Mandela. #Madiba #nelsonmandela
— A C Wharton, Jr (@MayorACWharton) December 5, 2013