Simphiwe Dana is an award-winning South African artist. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is a liberation struggle hero and former wife of the late president Nelson Mandela, who is sometimes dubbed the "Mother of the Nation" despite her precarious history. The two met at Madikizela-Madela's home this week when Dana delivered tickets for her "Simphiwe Dana Symphony Experience" concert.
Dana posted a selfie with the political veteran, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday, saying that talking to her "makes you wanna [sic] save the world".
While spending tine with Madikizela-Mandela, Dana also sang the song she'd written for her and posted the video on her Instagram feed. Dana said she had "no words" and that it was "a great honour". She sang the soft, lilting isiXhosa song a cappella, while Madikizela-Mandela listened intently.
The "Simphiwe Dana Symphony Experience"will see Dana on stage with a 60-piece orchestra, a choir of 30 and a dance troupe. In partnership with Khaya FM and BET Africa, Dana will be presenting a first-of-its-kind event that will hopefully count Madikizela-Mandela in its audience too.