Well-known South African ophthalmologist and retired director of communication skills training company The Voice Clinic, Dr Harrisberg has released a song wishing Madiba well. The song and music video, which has been released at the same time as the first public screening of the movie, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, was written and composed by Harrisberg to honour Mandela.
"Like so many people from all walks of life, geographic backgrounds and differing cultures we are all great admirers of Nelson Mandela, a supreme leader of our time, who surpassed in his many roles as an astute, warm and humble person, exceptional humanitarian, extraordinary politician, lover of people and children, and a man concerned with doing things honourably," explained Harrisberg.
"South Africa needed this type of leadership to continue and the ethos that he represented needs to be handed down," said Harrisberg. The Greeks used the word ethos to refer to the power of music to influence its hearer's emotions, behaviours, and even moral conduct."
I composed the Nelson Mandela Tribute Song as a tribute to the man who has done so much for humanity, to wish him well in his frail state, and to encourage the rest of our leaders and the people in our country to spread and hold on to the good values that Tata Mandela inspired in so many of us."
Harrisberg said that he dreamt the lyrics and the music for the song when he heard that Nelson Mandela was not well. Having been in ill health himself over the past five years, Harrisberg wanted to send a message of gratitude to Madiba for what he has achieved for our Rainbow Nation and also to wish him well.
The lyrics also call on all South Africans to enter into a value system of tolerance and goodwill towards the people of our diverse and wonderful rainbow nation, and to hand these values down to our children.
Harrisberg said that he has been fortunate to have received a great deal of interest in the project. Thembi Mtshali Jones, the lead singer of the song, is a well renowned South African actress and singer who sang Happy Birthday to Mandela at his 80th birthday party.
"I felt it would be wonderful for her to participate in this project as a line of continuity, and after I was introduced to her by close friend Marc Friedman in the music industry, she loved the idea of honouring Madiba," said Harrisberg. "We also included a group of young singers and performers who represent the youths of our country and represent the future talent and leaders of our beautiful land."
Thembi added: "It is a beautiful song that needs to be heard to uplift everyone's spirit. Our country needs that right now. Once you have heard it, it rings in your ears for the longest time."
It is intended that a percentage of the revenue generated from the song will be donated to The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
A clip of the music video will be screened prior to the movie Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom at selected cinemas.
