Zain sponsored ‘Mandela Day’ concert

Zain, the leading mobile telecommunications in Africa and the Middle East, was once again proud to sponsor the ‘Mandela Day’ concert. Celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday, the star-studded extravaganza, held at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on July 18, attracted a global television audience of over 1 billion.

It was an evening that was about much more than music and paying tribute to one of the world’s most beloved leaders. July 18, Mandela’s birthday, has been designated Mandela Day, a global call-to-action for people to recognize their individual power to make a difference and help change the world around them for the better. Those who wish to take part are encouraged to commit 67 minutes – represent the 67 years Mr. Mandela spent fighting for humanitarian issues – of their time to make an imprint on their community and make the world a better place.

The New York concert, which raised funds for his charitable foundations, was endorsed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and a delegation of UN Ambassadors from Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

“Nelson Mandela is a living embodiment of the highest values of the United Nations. His commitment to a democratic, multi-racial South Africa; his steadfast pursuit of justice; his willingness to reconcile with those who persecuted him most are just some of the hallmarks of a remarkable man,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said at the event. “Nelson Mandela has made a lasting imprint on our lives. May we all continue to benefit from his wisdom, his good works and good humor for many years to come.”

Commenting on yet another groundbreaking event for humankind, Zain Group CEO Dr Saad Al Barrak said, “Once again, the world has responded to the rallying cry of this great leader, a man who bestrides the African continent with integrity, humility and generosity of spirit. Mr. Mandela is an iconic statesman whose sacrifice and leadership has had an enormous impact on humanity and we at Zain are proud and humbled to align our global ambitions and corporate social responsibility philosophy with his truly noble cause.”

As the main sponsor of the event, the Zain logo was prominently displayed in the concert hall and seen by hundreds of millions of viewers. Zain’s Chief Branding Officer and architect of the Zain brand, Tito Alai, presented 100s of complimentary concert tickets to Mandela Day volunteers from South Africa and New York, as well as to several charities in New York.

France’s First Lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, made a rare concert appearance, headlining an A-list celebrity cast that came to support to Mandela’s cause. It included Former US President Bill Clinton, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and actors Forest Whitaker, Morgan Freeman, Sharon Stone, Susan Sarandon as well as the Italian rock legend Zucchero.

The event brought together the biggest names in music from the US and Africa to perform under the banner of Mandela Day. The African contingent included Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Chris Chameleon, Freshly Ground, Emmanuel Jal, Loyiso, Sipho Mabuse, Vusi Mahlasela, Thandiswa Mazwai, and Susanna Owiyo who ’opened’ the first Mandela Day concert.

Other international artists included Dave Stewart and friends, Queen Latifah, Josh Groban, TLC, Cyndi Lauper, Jesse McCartney and Grammy Award winners Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Wyclef Jean. All artists shared the stage and performances with the Soweto Gospel Choir.

The concert was the culmination of a week-long series of events in New York City in celebration of the first-ever Mandela Day. The activities include a Ralph Applebaum designed exhibition of Mr. Mandela’s life and the work of his many 46664 ambassadors –named after Mandela’s Robben Island prison number – as well as the gala fundraising dinner. 

Zain, along with 46664, worked with partner organizations, other city authorities and community associations and volunteers across the globe to create a worldwide series of Mandela Day events to honor Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy.