Nelson Mandela Honored by Musical Flash Mob

Ellen's Good News


Shoppers in a South African grocery store were moved to tears when an impromptu flash mob paid tribute to Nelson Mandela through song.

The Soweto Gospel Choir posed as employees of a Woolworth's in Johannesburg, and spread themselves throughout the store. Without a formal announcement, they began an a cappella performance of "Asimbonanga" ("We Have Not Seen Him"), a call for freedom written during Mandela's 27-year incarceration in prison.

Shoppers stopped in their tracks to watch the performance. Many were moved to tears, while others took photos to commemorate this emotional moment.

Here is a translation of the lyrics, provided by Yahoo South Africa:


Asimbonanga [we have not seen him]
Asimbonang' uMandela thina [we have not seen Mandela]
Laph'ekhona [in the place where he is]
Laph'ehleli khona [in the place where he is kept]

Asimbonanga
Asimbonang 'umfowethu thina [we have not seen our brother]
Laph'ekhona [in the place where he is]
Laph'wafela khona [in the place where he died]
Sithi: Hey, wena [We say: hey, you]
Hey, wena nawe [Hey, you and you]
Siyofika nini la' siyakhona [when will we arrive at our destination]


After his death, these words have even more meaning.

More of the Good News:
The Beautiful Things Nelson Mandela Did for Children
5,000 Singers Come Together to Honor Late Songwriter
U.S. Air Force Wows with Most Civilized Flash Mob Ever