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Free Nelson Mandela by The Special AKA


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Old 07-12-2013, 02:20
MarshallFish
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With the passing two days ago of Nelson Mandela, it made me think about this track from 1984. It was produced by Elvis Costello, and included EC, the female trio Afrodiziak (including future Soul II Soul singer Caron Wheeler), Dave Wakeling and Ranking Rodger of The Beat and General Public, and former member of The Specials Lynval Golding, on backing vocals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgcTvoWjZJU

Any thoughts on the song, and did it play a role in the eventual release, six years later, of Mandela from prison?

Marshall

My 2012 article on The Top Ten Songs About London:
http://marshfish.hubpages.com/hub/Th...s-about-London
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Old 07-12-2013, 07:09
mushymanrob
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i liked it... not sure it should be released now, hes been free for over 20 years!
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Old 07-12-2013, 07:24
dodger0703
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It might have raised awareness in some but I doubt it had any bearing on his release
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Old 07-12-2013, 10:31
unique
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i think being a catchy hit song it helped raise awareness across the world to people who otherwise wouldn't be interested in politics or his case, and it was the awareness of his case that ultimately led to his release

i was chatting about the track yesterday when someone asked if i would be playing it and if it would be appropriate or not. i wasn't really sure but i played it anyways as it's a great track. i don't care if something is inappropriate or not if it sounds good and the track certainly isn't a slur in any way
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Old 07-12-2013, 10:40
Apollo Creed
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Great man, great dog
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Old 07-12-2013, 12:16
CoreenBaconskin
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Great song, and turned me on to international politics at a v early age
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Old 07-12-2013, 12:30
JohnnyGrumpus
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I heard on the radio yesterday that Mandela liked the song apart from the line "Shoes too small to fit his feet" which he said wasn't true of his time on Robben Island
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