As musicians, much like everyone else, file to social media to dedicate posts and tributes to the late great Nelson Mandela, it’s important for us to understand the context of the world Mandela helped to change. As the man who pioneered the end of apartheid in South Africa after serving 27 years in jail as a political prisoner, the Nobel Peace Prize winner has been an overwhelmingly positive influence on humans worldwide, the music industry included.
It’s fitting that the man whose story was originally brought to the world’s attention through music (The Special A.K.A.’s 1984 hit “Free Nelson Mandela” made him a household name even to those who weren’t closely following the South African situation) is honored by those in the industry today. Here are a few of the best tributes to Mandela
Advising all my young ones that follow me to research a small piece of Nelson Mandela Life. That’s how you pay your respect…… GO!
— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) December 5, 2013
Free Nelson Mandela! Nelson Mandela Is Free. #Respect
— Questlove Jenkins (@questlove) December 5, 2013
One of our GREATEST leaders… Thank you for BEING the true meaning of compassion. May you be at peace now. #RIPNelsonMandela
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) December 5, 2013
A true fighter in every sense of the word… MANDELA!
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 5, 2013
If you black, Mandela stood up for YOU. If you white, Mandela stood up for YOU. He was a fighter for freedom, regardless of race.
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) December 5, 2013
To recognize what NelsonMandela DID for our RIGHTS to FIGHT wrong simply means building a human bridge across EARTH.. pic.twitter.com/sqDzyLPGVT
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela. What a difference one person can make. #RestEternally
— LL COOL J (@llcoolj) December 5, 2013
RIP 2 ONE OF OUR LAST TRULY GREAT KINGS AND GOD OF OUR UNIVERSE, THE LATE GREAT NELSON MANDELA!!! I WILL 4EVER LOVE U GREAT MAN & GREAT MIND
— Busta Rhymes (@BustaRhymes) December 5, 2013
It is such a sad yet beautiful moment that Nelson Mandela has passed. A time to celebrate him & remember his contributions to humankind.
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) December 6, 2013
Nelson Mandela was a true inspiration to all humanity. He will truly be missed.
— Britney Spears (@britneyspears) December 6, 2013
Nelson Mandela, you taught us all how to fight and how to forgive. You will be missed, but your legacy… http://t.co/WjqzfLtSNe
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) December 5, 2013
In the unlikely event that Reagan & Mandela cross paths in the afterlife Madiba will likely pardon RR for calling him a terrorist
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) December 6, 2013
Rest in Peace Mr. Nelson Mandela. A fearless leader, incredible human being, inspiration, a REAL hero. Truly one of a kind. God bless you.
— Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx) December 5, 2013
R.I.P Nelson Mandela sad thing is that alot of ya’ll myself included wont fully understand his importance until the movie comes out
— TROY AVE NYC (@TroyAve) December 5, 2013
The world has lost someone truly inspiring. Rest in peace Nelson Mandela
— Enrique Iglesias (@enrique305) December 5, 2013
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela. You will be missed. #trueinspiration #peoplewhochangetheworld
— Jennifer Lopez (@JLo) December 5, 2013
There is a party in heaven. Angels are celebrating. The one and only #NelsonMandela has arrived. RIP
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) December 5, 2013
Mandela stood for justice and truth!! Today the world lost a beautiful soul, fighter and true KING!! #RIPMandela http://t.co/Y6hCvwk49u
— Diddy (@iamdiddy) December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela…I’m so sad…#theWORLDisCRYING
— will.i.am (@iamwill) December 6, 2013
Thankyou Nelson Mandela for your highest standard of commitment to Peace in our World. We are so lucky to have been on this planet with you.
— Yoko Ono (@yokoono) December 6, 2013
nelson mandela’s life has inspired us all. we lost a remarkable, inspiring, courageous human being today.
— moby (@thelittleidiot) December 5, 2013
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