Local Hero: Songs For Oliver Tambo

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 201 months ago
Local Hero: Songs For Oliver Tambo
OTambo.jpg

Oliver and Adelaide Tambo lived in Muswell Hill for 30 years. Adelaide worked as a nurse at the Whittington Hospital and they raised 3 children in London. In 1990 they were the first recipients of the Freedom of the Borough of Haringey.

Why? You may well ask.

Oliver Tambo was a friend and comrade of Nelson Mandela, who worked to defend victims of apartheid. He played an unparalleled role in the growth and development of the African National Congress (ANC) leading the mobilisation of the international community against apartheid and its policies. After three decades in London exile he returned to South Africa in 1991. He died in 1993 a year before the new democratic Republic of South Africa came into being. His wife, Adelaide, died earlier this year.

This Friday night a South African musical extravaganza comes to the Barbican as a tribute to Oliver Tambo. "Mzansi Sings" features an 18 piece big band, a 10 piece string section, two choirs as well as traditional musicians and dancers. The programme will celebrate African 20th century choral music and Township Jazz.

Go get yourself some world music and be inspired.

"Mzansi Sings" is at the Barbican on Friday 22 June at 7.30pm, call 020 7638 8891 and the Broadway Theatre, Catford on Satuday 23 June, call 020 8690 0002.

Last Updated 18 June 2007