Tracy Chapman came to
global prominence when taking to the stage at the 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th
Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium, a concert which was broadcast live
around the world. Three years after Live Aid, this concert had a more political
stance and demanded an end to apartheid in South Africa and the release of
Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners. The organisers, which included
Jerry Dammers, staged this concert at a time when the Conservative government
of the day regarded Mandela and the ANC as terrorists.
A second concert was
organised in 1990 two months after his release. He regarded this as an official
international reception, the concert was once again broadcast around the world.
Mandela attended and took the stage for a total of 45 minutes, he did not meet
the British government on this visit to the UK.
Tracy Chapman’s set
at the first concert, and this song in particular, seemed to capture the mood
of the day. It catapulted her from being a little known artist that sang about
social activism to becoming an international artist that sang about social
activism. She also performed at the ‘Nelson Mandela: An International Tribute
for a Free South Africa’ concert in 1990.
Tracy Chapman - Talking 'bout a Revolution - live at the 'Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute':
Further information:
Songs for Social Justice Dance Night
featuring guest DJ Jerry Dammers -
o
Thursday
26th January
o STUC Centre, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow
o 6.45pm
– midnight
o
Tickets
£8/£4 - Available direct from the STUC - 0141 337 8100
No comments:
Post a Comment