Welsh diva to perform for Nelson Mandela

May 7 2008 Media Wales

Shirley Bassey

DAME Shirley Bassey is among the artists due to sing at a Live Aid-style concert in honour of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday.

The Cardiff-born star will be joined byAnnie Lennox, Razorlight, Leona Lewis and Simple Minds for the event called The 46664 Concert in London’s Hyde Park on June 27.

Named after the former South African president’s prison number during his time in captivity, the event will raise money for Mr Mandela’s awareness campaign about Aids in Africa, which is also called 46664.

Dame Shirley’s appearance follows her performances at Glastonbury last June and at Fashion Rocks, in aid of The Prince’s Trust, at the Royal Albert Hall in October.

She and Mr Mandela both share the honour of being among the distinguished few to have been awarded the freedom of Cardiff.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former US President Bill Clinton, talk show queen Oprah Winfrey and British Formula One star Lewis Hamilton are among those expected to attend The 46664 Concert.

The Welsh diva will be appearing alongside Queen, the Sugababes, Jamelia, two of the Corrs and African artists including Johnny Clegg, Sipho Mabuse, and the Aids orphan choir The Children of Agape.

Mr Mandela, who turns 90 on July 18, will use the concert to publicly step down from his 46664 campaign work and urge others to carry it on.

A total of 46,664 tickets will be issued for the concert. General tickets cost £65 plus booking fee and are available from 9am on Friday, but buyers can register now. Visit http:// music.livenation.co.uk/ 46664concert for details.