when my dad texted me Nelson Mandela was dead the first thing that went through my head was Johnny Clegg and Savuka’s song “Asimbonanga”

(“We haven’t seen him” — 1987)

which called for Mandela’s release from prison

***

Oh the sea is cold and the sky is grey
Look across the island into the bay
We are all islands till comes the day
We cross the burning water

 ***

(Mandela joins Clegg on stage at about the 2:40 mark. And then speaks a little. And dances.)