South Africa will play host to the Global Citizen Festival on Sunday. The initiative aims to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030. In addition, the festival will celebrate the Mandela centenary as 2018 marks 100 years since former South African President and Nobel Prize Laureate, Nelson Mandela, was born.
The line-up for the show is set to include stars such as Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Pharrell, Wizkid, Usher, Chris Martin of Coldplay, Black Coffee, as well as other African artists.
Despite Mandela passing away 5 years ago, the “Formation” singer decided to write a letter to the late legend.
Referring to him by his African clan name “Madiba”, Beyoncé wrote, “It is an honor for me to travel to South Africa this week in celebration of you and your efforts to right so many wrongs. You were a strategic warrior, a bold activist, and charismatic and well-loved leader. Your vision for dignity, for human rights, for peace and a South Africa free of racism and apartheid, allows us all to turn dreams into reality.”
Praising Madiba, the singer wrote: “You made it possible for so many people like me to reject impossibilities and understand our capabilities in making lasting change in the world. The smallest efforts could change the trajectory for so many living in extreme poverty, facing injustices, the indecency of racism and fighting for their rights as humans.”
She ended off the letter with a promise, “I promise you that we have made your dreams our own. Your work and your sacrifices were not in vain,” before signing her name as Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
