Artists, poets, musicians and community representatives coming together to pay tribute. 

Newtown arts centre the Drum will be holding a special event on Sunday from 3pm-8pm in honour of Nelson Manldela, remembering the life and legacy of a man who inspired generations and shaped the history of South Africa and beyond .

The event will celebrate Mr Mandela’s life and pay respects to his struggle for social justice, equality and reconciliation. There will be discussions, tributes, archive footage, and musical performances across a range of genres including reggae, hip-hop, R&B, soul and bhangra. There will also be a link to South Africa to join coverage of the funeral proceedings, and speak to ex-patriots as they share their memories of the great man. Visitors are also invited to sign the Drum ‘s Book of Remembrance, the extracts of which will be collected and presented to the South African Embassy.

Intended artists include jazz vocalist Saaliyah, African dancer Sandra Golding, reggae artists Rose Capri, Robbie Levi and Christine Benjamin, R&B singer Tish Blake, African drummer Asha B, hip-hop artists Priscilla Cameron and Rawality, soul artists Skipah and Lushea, poet Mike Paul, and bhangra master King Gurcharan Mall and the Dhol Blasters, plus a host of others. Admission is free.

In addition to their scheduled evening performance, Town Hall Gospel Choir will be making a special tribute, performing Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, South Africa’s beautiful National Anthem, official anthem for the African National Congress during the apartheid era and a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement. This will be followed by a video tribute and an evening of music. Please note this is a separate ticketed event. For more information visit www.the-drum.org.uk or call 0121 333 2444.