Johannesburg ( CNN ) -- I 've been to Africa many times in my career , but nothing could have prepared me for a trip that would turn into this moment . As the energetic crowd of South Africans and numerous world leaders surrounded me Tuesday inside Johannesburg 's FNB stadium , I wanted to minister through song and lift my heart toward the memory of Nelson Mandela . But just days before , I would have never thought I 'd be there , performing in the rain , participating in history . It was a moment I 'll never forget . About six months ago , my team booked me for a run in South Africa . We were scheduled to hit Johannesburg , Durban and Kimberley . I was very excited to come minister to the people of South Africa and as soon as I landed on Thursday , I became so grateful to be in the presence of these amazing people within this beautiful country . Upon arriving at the hotel , I sat glued to the TV as the news broke of the passing of Africa 's favorite son and global role model . Not wanting to miss an opportunity to embrace a culture most African-Americans never experience , I asked to go to Mandela 's home in Johannesburg . As I arrived , there was a huge crowd outside . I stood in the streets and danced with my people , hugged my people and tried my best to embrace their loss . Honestly , I wish I could have learned more about him when I was younger . I wish that I was more familiar with how it felt when Mandela was released from prison when I was 24 . I could have learned a lot more about forgiveness . For only a heart modeled after God 's hands could embrace the same hands that embarked pain . So standing in the rain today , preparing to perform right before the President of the United States addressed the world , I took a deep breath , said a prayer and reminded myself `` this is not about me . '' This is for all of the men and women who 've passed on and never saw this dream come true for their homeland . I imagined them embracing him , the souls of the beaten , the hurt and the martyrs who finished their race before Tata 's and welcomed him home like a proud soldier . My mom is there in that number as well , and I hope that I , too , made her proud today . My 13-year-old son wants me to teach him everything about Mandela when I come home . He better get ready , because his dad has now been to class ! I pray my presence on stage today will reflect the love I have for this country . I know their struggle , but I also know that they will have victory as long as they embrace the heart of their hero . MADIBA ! The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Kirk Franklin .
CNN artist Kirk Franklin performs at Mandela memorial service Thursday . He finishes up just before President Nelson Mandela 's Obama delivers his remarks . Nelson Mandela 's : Mandela 's was ' a heart modeled after God 's hands '