The Global Citizen Festival 2018: Celebrating Mandela’s Legacy through Music and Activism

Nelson Mandela International Day (also known as Mandela Day) is celebrated annually on July 18th, honoring the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. This day serves as a global call to action for individuals to dedicate 67 minutes – representing the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice – to volunteerism and community service.

However, this article isn’t just about Mandela Day; it delves into an event that amplified its message: The Global Citizen Festival held in Johannesburg on December 2, 2018. This festival was a powerful testament to Mandela’s legacy, weaving together music, activism, and the pursuit of global equality.

The stage was set for a spectacular celebration. Hosted by the international advocacy organization Global Citizen, this event brought together some of the biggest names in the music industry: Beyoncé and Jay-Z headlined the festival, joined by other renowned artists like Ed Sheeran, Pharrell Williams, and Wizkid.

But the festival wasn’t just about the star power; it was deeply rooted in a commitment to social change. Attendees weren’t just passive observers but active participants in a movement for global equality. To gain entry to the free concert, individuals had to commit to actions that championed specific causes: signing petitions, contacting their elected officials, and donating to organizations fighting poverty and inequality.

The Global Citizen Festival Johannesburg served as a microcosm of Mandela’s vision – a world where everyone has access to basic necessities like education, healthcare, and sanitation. The festival tackled critical global issues such as poverty eradication, access to clean water and sanitation, gender equality, and the fight against climate change.

Let’s delve into the specific commitments made by attendees and how these translated into tangible outcomes:

Commitments & Outcomes:

The success of the Global Citizen Festival Johannesburg demonstrated the power of collective action.

The event was a powerful reminder that ordinary people can create extraordinary change when united by a common purpose. The festival’s impact extended beyond the immediate aftermath: it sparked a global conversation about social justice and ignited a passion for activism among attendees.

In the spotlight, we find David Mabuza, the Deputy President of South Africa during the festival. He played a crucial role in welcoming international artists and dignitaries to Johannesburg, underscoring the importance of collaboration between local and global communities.

While it’s impossible to quantify the full impact of an event like this, there’s no denying its powerful message: “Together, we can create a better world.” The Global Citizen Festival Johannesburg wasn’t simply a concert; it was a call to action – a reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference. It celebrated Mandela’s legacy by embodying his unwavering belief in the potential for human connection and collective progress.

Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” The Global Citizen Festival Johannesburg proved him right, demonstrating that even seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome through collaboration, activism, and a shared commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.