Nelson Mandela - a Jazz and Blues man

Moments in South African History

American philosopher and academic, Professor Cornel West, says former president Nelson Mandela was a “jazz and blues” man in South Africa's liberation struggle. West defines Mandela in terms of "the blue note". He says Mandela agonized and questioned in the struggle tradition. But just like jazz musicians, Mandela also provided a glimmer of hope for a whole generation.

Credits: Angie Kapelianis, Chevon Erasmus, Danny Booysen and the SABC Media Library

This reflection includes the music of Charles Mingus, Billie Holiday, the late Miriam Makeba, Mahalia Jackson, as well as Earth, Wind and Fire.

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