A song for Madiba
As the country mourns the death of former President Nelson Mandela, others remember his undying spirit and humility.
Local KwaThema musician, Bheki Sibeko, will never forget his encounter with the nation’s father at his 85th private celebration in Sandton in 2002.
While performing at a restaurant one night he was heard by Madiba’s daughter, Zenani, who insisted he sing at her father’s birthday.
“I never thought for a moment that she was serious but when she called to confirm I knew it was real,” he recalls.
The classical pop singer was hired as the entertainer of the night for the Mandela family.
After a few songs he was introduced to Madiba and had a chance to talk to him.
Bheki says as soon as he said his name and surname, Madiba called him by his clan name.
This threw Bheki back as he did not expect to find the great man so relaxed and interested in him.
The one thing, however, that he will forever hold as a dear memory of Madiba is what he said after that.
“He asked everyone, ‘who is this great singer and why don’t I know about him?’,” he recalls.
Bheki says that was the highlight of his day along with the humility and care he was treated with.
“I will never forget this great man and his humility, he dedicated his life to serving humanity and he taught us about giving,” he says.
His message to the community is that we should always remember what Madiba taught us about giving.
His death has also inspired the musician to do a gospel album and classic pop album to share his music with the world.
