He may not have known the words to any of their songs, but Nelson Mandela was graciousness itself as he greeted the Black Eyed Peas on Monday. The former South African president met up with the funk artists as a thank you for a benefit concert they gave for over 30,000 fans in Johannesburg's Ellis Park stadium.
Dressed in one of his trademark natty shirts, his eyes sparkling with energy, the elder statesman linked hands with Fergie and her Grammy-winning colleagues. He also posed for pictures with the band's relatives - including the grandmother of will.i.am, also known as William Adams - during a meeting the dreadlocked singer described as a "once in a lifetime" event.
Over the weekend the Peas visited poverty-stricken townships giving workshops for children. The charity drive fulfils a promise by the band made in the wake of their 2004 visit to celebrate a decade of democracy in the country.
On that occasion will.i.am was profoundly affected by the deprivation he witnessed in the shantytowns. "That hurt me, that hit a nerve in my heart," recalled the talent musician. "That's when I said we need to come back to South Africa and do a show for the people who can't afford tickets."
Although the gig was free Fergie and her band mates raised money for their Peapod charity through a text message campaign and a VIP after party. All the proceeds from their trip will go to the Adopt-A-School Foundation, which helps improve access to education for the nation's poorest youngsters.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
