The Soweto Gospel Choir and US singer Josh Groban will also feature at the concert in Hyde Park.

"What better way to celebrate your 90th birthday than to have this great concert - it's going to be a lot of fun," Groban told the BBC News website.

The concert will be screened, with a time delay, on ITV1 at 2100 BST.

"It's going to be a great combination of the best pop artists today, with some of the best traditional pop music in Africa right now," said Groban.'Legacy'

"Audiences are going to get a magnificent, eclectic, energetic celebration of an extraordinary man.

"At 90 years old he still has the reach and inspiration and power to make change. It really just goes to show us how strong his legacy and his legend is."

As well as marking the former South African president's birthday, the concert will raise funds for Mr Mandela's HIV/Aids charity 46664, named after the prison number he was given during the 27 years he spent behind bars for his stand against South African apartheid.

Other performers at the concert include Amy Winehouse, Sugababes, Andrea and Sharon Corr, Eddy Grant and Simple Minds.

Many South African artists have also flown in for the birthday gig, including Papa Wemba, Loyiso and Afrikaans singer Kurt Darren.

"Anybody who believes in peace or equality should come to this concert," said Groban, who is also an ambassador for 46664.

"Not only to have a good time, but to celebrate all those things Mandela has taught us his whole life - because it really is a tribute to this incredible man. It's a huge honour to be part of it."

(BBC)

<< Back