Tribute to Madiba!

South African social activist, politician and philanthropist, Nelson Mandela, aged 95, died on the 5th of December, 2013. It is a day that was engraved in History's heart. Although Madiba is no more alive but I believe that his legacy lives on. He will always be remembered for his Anti-Apartheid Movement and auto-biography 'Long Walk to Freedom'. He cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. He is the only African leader I know that never stopped frowning at impunity. 

I have realised that Mandela was characterized by tenaciousness. He was enthusiastic about furthering his education even while he was imprisoned. He also exhibited patience. Mandela would have died at the age of 55; the South African Bureau of State Security hoped to shoot him during escape assuming he did not abandon the escape plan developed for him by Gordon Bruce. Perhaps Madiba had the gift of foresight.

Nelson Mandela did not only resolve conflicts in South Africa. He was greatly concerned with issues on the continent; he took a soft diplomatic approach to removing Sani Abacha's military junta in Nigeria but later became a leading figure in calling for sanctions when Abacha's regime increased human rights violations. I am glad he also made an impact in my country. 

Nelson Mandela has inspired so many literary works and hiphop lyrics; including this track 'Afro-rhymesayer' taken off my Raplogic EP (Produced by Teck-Zilla). I also feel humbled being acknowledged in HYPE magazine's Freedom Day issue in which Madiba graced the cover and inspired the publication. I aspire to be great like Nelson Mandela. God rest his soul!