Beyoncé Writes Touching Letter to Nelson Mandela

The Global Citizen Festival will be held this weekend in South Africa. The musical event is unarguably one of Africa's biggest musical events which brings together people from all over the globe.

The theme for this year's edition is Mandela 100 and will take place at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg to celebrate Madiba’s 100th posthumous birthday.

The event is aimed at raising $1 billion to help and support deprived and poverty-stricken people across the world.

Set to perform at the star studded event include Jay-Z, Beyonce, Eddie Vedder, Cassper Nyovest, Ed Sheeran, D’Banj, Pharrell Williams, Femi Kuti, Kacey Musgraves & Chris Martin, Sho Madjozi, Tiwa Savage, Usher, Wizkid and a host of other superstars.

Beyonce, who could not hide her excitement with the feeling of performing at a concert in honour of South African hero - Nelson Mandela, has penned a beautiful letter which was published on her website.

In the letter, she praised the legend for leading an exemplary life to which she would pass on to her three children.

Dear Madiba,

I first met you in 2004 for the 46664 Aids Benefit Concert in Cape Town, and the impact you have had on my life resonates with me today and every day. Your kindness and gratitude for every experience, and your ability to forgive, are lessons I have learned and will pass on to my three children. My entire family holds you in high regard.

It is an honor for me to travel to South Africa this week in celebration of you and your efforts to right so many wrongs. You were a strategic warrior, a bold activist and charismatic and well-loved leader. Your vision for dignity, for human rights, for peace and a South Africa free of racism and apartheid, allows us all to turn dreams into reality.

I remember taking that walk with you back to the prison on Robben Island, where you spent 18 of those 27 years behind bars. I recall your measured but focused steps in as you recounted the stories of the struggles, the sacrifices and your resilience. You smiled as you talked to a crowd of artists and their guests, including my mother, who first told my sister and me about the great Nelson Mandela. In that moment I truly understood your heart and humility.

You made it possible for so many people like me to reject impossibilities and understand our capabilities in making lasting change in the world. The smallest efforts could change the trajectory for so many living in extreme poverty, facing injustices, the indecency of racism and fighting for their rights as humans.

As we celebrate the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, honoring your centennial year, I promise you that we have made your dreams our own. Your work and your sacrifices were not in vain. I will cherish every moment shared in your presence and use the lessons learned from you as fuel to stir positive ideas and solutions.

Signed: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter