Read Beyoncé’s Letter to Nelson Mandela Ahead of Her Performance in South Africa

Queen B pens a letter to Madiba.

Read Beyoncé’s Letter to Nelson Mandela Ahead of Her Performance in South Africa

Beyoncé recently shared a letter to late anti-Apartheid struggle hero and former South African president Nelson Mandela. In the letter, which can be read in its entirety on Queen B's official website, the R&B star recalls meeting Madiba for the first time in 2004 and visiting his cell in Robben Island where him and other struggle heroes were imprisoned by the apartheid government.


She also acknowledges the impact the life of Madiba has had on her, writing:

"Your kindness and gratitude for every experience, and your ability to forgive are lessons I have learned and will pass on to my three children. My entire family holds you in high regard."

The artist wrote that it's an honor for her to travel to South African this week "in celebration of you and your efforts to write so many wrongs." Towards the end of the letter, B writes:

"As we celebrate the Global Citizen: Mandela 100, honoring your centennial year, I promise you that we have made your dreams our own. Your work and your sacrifices were not in vain. I will cherish every moment shared in your presence and use the lessons learned from you as fuel to stir positive ideas and solutions."

Queen B and her rapper hubby Jay-Z will perform at the Global Citizen: Mandela 100 concert this Sunday, alongside the likes of Ed Sheeran, Cassper Nyovest, D'Banj, Femi Kuti, Pharrell, Sho Madjozi, Tiwa Savage, Usher and a few more.

Read Beyoncé's letter to Mandela here.

10 Classic South African House Songs You Need to Hear
Music

10 Classic South African House Songs You Need to Hear

Here are 10 of the best South African house tracks released over the years.

Nelson Mandela free from prison visiting a school doing the black power salute.
Music

12 Essential Anti-Apartheid Struggle Songs from South Africa & Around the World

It wasn't just South African musicians—artists from around the continent and the world all stood up in solidarity and released anti-Apartheid songs.