Frail Mandela marks 90th birthday with star-laden London concert

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — A star-studded cast of artists helped Nelson Mandela to celebrate his 90th birthday with a giant concert in London on Friday in support of his global AIDS campaign.

Queen, Amy Winehouse and Annie Lennox were among the performers at the Hyde Park gig for the former South African president's 46664 campaign, which was being broadcast around the world.

Addressing the crowd, a visibly frail Mandela, who had to be helped to the podium on stage, said: "Where human beings are being oppressed, there is more work to be done. Our work is for freedom for all.

"It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now. I thank you," Mandela, who turns 90 on July 18, added.

Following an opening performance from Jivan Gasparyan, an...