Deezer celebrates Nelson Mandela 100 with a tribute playlist by Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse
18 July 2018 – Deezer, the world’s most personal music service is celebrating Nelson Mandela on his centenary birthday by hosting a tribute playlist created by the renowned Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse.
Mabuse, a legendary figure in African music, first rose to prominence in the 70s with his band Harari and later developed a name for himself as a solo artist. One of his best known songs was the global hit ‘BurnOut’ in the 80s.
The playlist takes the listener on a captivating musical journey through the life of Nelson Mandela. It was compiled by Mabuse, who consulted with Mandela’s family and friends to ensure that the music would be relevant and accurate. The playlist also features commentary by Mabuse, which was recorded in Soweto at his home.
‘I have tried to tell the story of the music that Madiba loved. The Playlist excludes the time in prison obviously, as Madiba would not have had exposure to music in that time. We have focused on the music we know he loved before and after that period’, says Mabuse. ‘This recording was really an emotional journey for me, but an incredible opportunity to document these memories.’
The playlist features the music the young Mandela loved, such as The Manhattan Brothers, Solomon Linda, Brenda Fassie and Miriam Makeba. We also listen to struggle songs, Chicco, Johnny Clegg, Hugh Masekela and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. The playlist also includes ‘Mandela’ by Zahara, one of the younger artists who caught Madiba’s ear.
Mabuse also offers stories of his own songs such as Shikisha, a song greatly beloved by the former President.
‘I was delighted to share my thoughts and hope the listeners enjoyed the musical journey’ comments Mabuse. ‘Madiba did enjoy music immensely and we all have a purpose where ever we are in the world to celebrate culture and to learn from different cultures and music forms and styles’.
This playlist was inspired by the Nelson Mandela 100 campaign calling on corporates and individuals to act as sources of inspiration and engage in conversation and action.
https://www.nelsonmandela.org/nelson-mandela-100
-ENDS-
About Deezer
Deezer connects 14 million monthly active users around the world to 53 million tracks.
Available in over 180 countries worldwide, Deezer gives instant access to one of the
largest and most diverse global music streaming catalogue on any device. Deezer is the
only music streaming service with Flow, the unique mix of all your old favourites and
new recommendations in one ever-changing stream. Based on an intuitive, proprietary
algorithm and created by people who love music, it’s the only place to hear all your
music back-to- back with fresh discoveries tailored to you. Deezer is available on your
favorite device, including smartphone, tablet, PC, laptop, home sound system, connected
car or smart TV.
Making music happen since 2007, Deezer is a privately held company, headquartered in
Paris with offices in London, Berlin, Miami and around the world. Deezer is available as
a free download for iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows devices or on the web at
deezer.com. For the latest news on Deezer go to Deezer.com/company/press
