The Special AKA - Nelson Mandela

As Billy Bragg pondered "Mixing pop and politics, he asks me what the use is", can political music change the world ?  From Bob Dylan to Band Aid, music has had significant impact, or at the very least, raised awareness and hope. The Special AKA and "Nelson Mandela" in 1984 brought many, including myself, the first  insight into the plight of the jailed South African ANC leader.

The leader of the Specials, keyboardist Jerry Dammers had been energised by attending a concert for Mandela's 65th birthday, still in prison for over 20 years. He decided a protest song was required, with a group effort. The Specials had metaphorized the Special AKA group, so they formed the basis, as he added ex-Special Lynval Golding, members of the Beat, Afrodiziak and producer Elvis Costello. And two girls that the drummer met in a pub !

Despite the bleak subject, "Nelson Mandela" feels  joyous and infectious. The African styled acapella opening features Caron Wheeler (later in Soul to Soul) and the great Claudia Fontaine (not a well known name, but anyone from the 1980s will recognise her face). It then bursts into life with an irresistible energy, guided by the trumpets and drums. 

Stan Campbell's vocals are light but powerful, as he describes Mandela's suffering and resilience ("His body abused, but his mind is still free "). A beseeching plea ("Are you so blind that you cannot see?") and a rousing mass chorus of "Free Nelson Mandela".  Concise, but effective, it makes it point without heavy handed lecturing.

"Nelson Mandela" achieved its aim, reaching the top 10 and publicised the cause across TV and radio (including two Top of the Pops appearances). Subsequent efforts including Artists against Apartheid, "Sun City" single, and a Wembley concert, maintained a worldwide pressure until his release in 1990.

No one danced to Bob Dylan or Joan Baez, but  "Nelson Mandela"  was compulsive.  A perfect match of pop and politics.

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

Hear Next -  The Specials often tackled politics, including the classic 80s  "Ghost Town".