The Whole World Has Been Called On To Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Mandela

The world has been called to sing a special Happy Birthday song for former South African President Nelson Mandela on his 94th birthday and volunteer 67 minutes of their time for community service.

The international icon celebrates his birthday on Wednesday, 18th July and the day has been declared “International Mandela Day”.

South Africa’s Lead SA, the Department of Basic Education and the Nelson Mandela Foundation supported by the Shout Foundation, Proudly South African and Brand SA have partnered to get the world to sing the song and do 67 minutes of service.

“We have been called to action by (South Africa’s) former President, interactional icon, elder statesman, hero, leader and the father of the (South African) nation – who has given so selflessly of himself through personal sacrifice and a profound amount of heart, compassion, reconciliation and forgiveness,” said Lead SA’s Yusuf Abramjee, speaking at the launch of the Happy Birthday song at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg.

“Madiba allows us to dream. He makes us believe in possibility. He undoubtedly unites us,” said Abramjee.

Last year, Lead SA and the country’s Department of Basic Education together with the Nelson Mandela Foundation united the voices of South Africa to sing Happy Birthday to Madiba on July 18th 2011. Millions of school children and ordinary South Africans made this possible.

“This year we decided to go even bigger,” said Abramjee.

On Tuesday, 29th May 2012, people gathered in their thousands at Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg to record the song which features a string of prominent artists and musicians. It is going viral and the video of the recording is also available on You Tube.

Search for “Sing for Madiba.”  The official hash-tag for the initiative is #Sing4Madiba.

Another massive boost for the initiative is Multichoice who has come on board and have pledged to play the recording of the song on all their channels at 9.00am (Kenyan time) on Mandela Day.

“Let’s make his 94th birthday, the magic of legends and an enduring memory. We want to give him his best birthday present ever-The love of the world,” added Lead SA.

*Words of the song:

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Dear Madiba,
Happy Birthday to you.

We love you Tata,
We love you Tata,
We love you Dear Madiba,
Happy Birthday to you.