''Nelson Mandela'' is the debut

extended play An extended play record, usually referred to as an EP, is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP record.

by South African singer Zahara. It pays tribute to Nelson Mandela and was released on July 15, 2013, at a time when Mandela was critically ill at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria. The EP's lead single, eponymously titled "Nelson Mandela", peaked at number 1 on South Africa's official music chart. Upon its release, the EP was made available for purchase on iTunes.

Lead single

Zahara released the

Mzwakhe Mbuli Mzwakhe Mbuli (born 1 August 1959) is a South African poet, Mbaqanga singer and former Deacon at Apostolic Faith Mission Church in Naledi Soweto, South Africa. Known as "The People's Poet, Tall Man, Mbulism, The Voice Of Reason", he is the father o ...

-assisted song "Nelson Mandela", which pays tribute to Nelson Mandela and celebrates his accomplishments. Zahara told ''City Press'' newspaper she was excited to release the song and experienced different emotions while releasing it. When the song was played on

Metro FM Metro FM is a national radio station in South Africa owned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation. The station broadcasts on FM Stereo as well as the DStv Bouquet Channel 801. Telephone : History The station started broadcasting in O ...

, it created a lot of media and social buzz.

Critical reception

''City Press'' newspaper stated that the ballad "evokes strong emotions, spurred on by the relentless guitar accompaniment" and praised Zahara's "soaring, strong vocals".

Live performances

Zahara performed the lead single for Mandela at the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria.

Track listing

Charts

References

{{Nelson Mandela 2013 debut EPs Zahara (South African musician) albums Xhosa-language albums Songs about Nelson Mandela