Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 1918. His father was Chief Henry Mandela of the Tembu Tribe. Mandela himself was educated at University College of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand and qualified in law in 1942. He joined the African National Congress in 1944 and was engaged in resistance against the ruling National Party’s apartheid policies after 1948. He went on trial for treason in 1956-1961 and was acquitted in 1961.
African Footprint - Motulati and Zulu
The musical is a perfect mix of energetic African, jazz and modern dances, African music instruments blended with beautiful lyrics, insightful poetry and colorful choreography. The musical, African Footprint produced in South Africa by Richard Loring incorporates elements of social/family life of South Africans in a fictional story with happy end. The ensemble includes Black, White, female and male South African dancers and singers. AFRITOPIC met two of the dancers/singers before the show in Berlin . The gentleman called Zulu and the lady dancer/lead singer by the name Motulati speak about their profession and goals in the following interviews with AFRITOPIC.
The historical event finally became a reality on the 11th June 2010 when at about 16:08 CEST the kick-off whistle was blown for the first FIFA Soccer World Cup game on the African soil. All those who doubted the competence of Africans to organize such a huge event discarded their doubts and joined several thousands in rejoicing and celebrating. The celebration began on the eve of the event with live concerts including renowned African and international music artists; Hugh Masekela, Freshlyground, Lira, Angelique Kidjo, Alicia Keys, John Legend, K’Naan and Shakira among others. The opening ceremony presented a fantastic colorful show that depicted the richness of African culture in its purest form without cliché.
