SA: Deezer partners with Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse on Mandela Day playlist

The playlist seeks to pay tribute to the late former South African president Nelson Mandela and is available for streaming here until 31 July.

“Nelson Mandela will always be my role model and I am delighted to share my personal reflections,” Mabuse said. “It is an honour to pay tribute to his life and it is something I do with utmost respect and joy.”

Some of Mandela’s favourite artists featured in the playlist include The Manhattan Brothers, Solomon Linda, Brenda Fassie and Miriam Makeba. The playlist also comprises struggle songs from Sello Chicco Twala, Johnny Clegg, Hugh Masekela and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. 

Deezer said: “We first debuted this playlist ahead of Mandela’s centenary birthday in 2018. As a beloved and special playlist for the South African community, music fans will once again be able to hear loving commentary from Mabuse.”

Mandela Day is an annual international day in honour of Mandela. The event is celebrated each year on Mandela's birthday, 18 July. It was officially declared by the United Nations (UN) in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010. On the day, people are encouraged to spend 67 minutes of their time to give back to the community and the less privileged. The 67 minutes symbolically represents the number of years Mandela spent fighting for human rights and the abolition of apartheid.

Meanwhile, South African and international artists will pledge 67 minutes during the Afreefest music festival, which will take place on 18 July