“Meadowlands, Meadowlands, ons daak nie ons pola hie” – Nancy Jacobs and Sisters, Meadowlands

My understanding of what happened/happens/is happening in South Africa has come through music. Although I experienced Americans railing against apartheid in my youth and remember “Free Nelson Mandela” and his release and the powerful images of people voting for the first time in that country, I didn’t really get it until I saw Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony a decade ago.

So, yesterday and this morning, these moments after the passing of Madiba at an age I’m sure few ever expected him to reach, I’ve been moved most by two things: his words and the world’s sounds around him.

First the music:

• Davey D talks about the work of hip-hop artists (and other musicians) against Apartheid.
• Spin tells the story of Free Nelson Mandela by The Special AKA

Yesterday, I wrote about my new giving manifesto (inspired by Sloane’s e-thing of the same name) and I was further inspired by constant commitment to humanity and justice of Mandela’s life and thoughts.

We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.

Thank you, Mr. Mandela. 

Thank you for being a wonderful trouble-maker.