` ` Free Nelson Mandela , '' by The Special AKA raised awareness of the jailed ANC figurehead . Mandela spent 27 years in prison in apartheid - era South Africa . Song 's composer said song had positive message that situation can be resolved . Four years later , in 1988 , Dammers and the band Simple Minds helped organize the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Concert at London 's Wembley Stadium , featuring acts such as Dire Straits , George Michael and Sting . It was performed at 1988 concert in London that increased awareness on South Africa .
` ` Free Nelson Mandela , '' by The Special AKA raised awareness of the jailed ANC figurehead . Mandela spent 27 years in prison in apartheid - era South Africa . Song 's composer said song had positive message that situation can be resolved . It was performed at 1988 concert in London that increased awareness on South Africa .