Zain to sponsor inaugural 'Mandela Day' celebration in New York

The concert, which will feature some of the world's most famous musicians, is being staged by 46664 - a campaign named after Mandela's Robben Island prison number which champions his humanitarian work - with the support of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

The event is also designed as a call around the world for people to celebrate Nelson Mandela's inspiration, values and establish the date in the annual calendar as one dedicated to 'celebrating the idea that each individual has the ability to make an imprint and make the world a better place'. It is also an occasion for many of the world's most powerful and instantly recognizable figures to pay their tributes to one of the world's most loved leaders, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and icon of freedom, Nelson 'Madiba' Mandela, as he turns 91 this year.

As famous actor Robert De Niro said, "When Nelson Mandela speaks we all must listen."

Announcing the sponsorship Zain Group CEO Dr Saad Al Barrak said:

"Mr. Mandela is an iconic statesman whose sacrifice and leadership has had an enormous impact on humanity. Honoring him by raising funds for his foundation is in line with Zain's global ambitions and corporate social responsibility philosophy."

Zain was also one of the main sponsors of Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations that were held on July 1, 2008 in London's Hyde Park and Zain customers across Africa raised more than $85,000 for the Nelson Mandela Foundation through a fundraising competition, during which members of the public were invited to SMS their birthday greetings to the former South African president.

Tim Massey, International Director of 46664, said, "Mandela Day is about creating a movement for positive change and establishing one day to reflect upon, celebrate and make manifest the values that guide Nelson Mandela."

The celebrations are backed by world figures including President Bill Clinton, Forest Whitaker, Sharon Stone, Susan Sarandon and many others have all committed to attend. Further invited guests include France's First Lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy making a rare concert appearance, as well as Italy's Zucchero, a 46664 ambassador artist who has given support at each of the prior concerts.

The event will bring together a raft of major music names from the US and Africa to perform under the banner of Mandela Day. Special performances will be done by celebrated African artistes including Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Chris Chameleon, Freshly Ground, Emmanuel Jal, Loyiso, Sipho Mabuse, Vusi Mahlasela, Thandiswa Mazwai, Susanna Owiyo will help kick off first "Mandela Day' Celebration.

Other artists specially invited to perform at the Saturday night 91st birthday concert include Dave Stewart and friends, Queen Latifah, Josh Groban, TLC, Cyndi Lauper and Jesse McCartney and Grammy Award winners Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Wyclef Jean. All the artistes will be sharing the stage and performances with the Soweto Gospel Choir.

The concert will also feature numerous unexpected appearances, with several major artists keeping silent about their involvement in order to take both Mr Mandela and the audience by surprise.

The concert is the culmination of a week-long series of events in New York City in celebration of the first-ever Mandela Day. The activities include a Ralph Applebaum designed exhibition of Mr. Mandela's life and the work of his many 46664 ambassadors, as well as the gala fundraising dinner, both at Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall.

46664 will also be working with partner organizations, other city authorities and community associations and volunteers across the globe to create a worldwide series of Mandela Day events to honour Nelson Mandela's life and legacy.