SOUTH AFRICA: DIANA ROSS PERFORMS HER FIRST CONCERT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Record ID: 693115

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: DIANA ROSS PERFORMS HER FIRST CONCERT IN SOUTH AFRICA
  • Date: 7th April 1998
  • Summary: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (APRIL 8, 1998) (REUTERS) DIANA ROSS AND NELSON MANDELA OUTSIDE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE FOR PHOTO OP
  • Embargoed: 22nd April 1998 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Entertainment,General,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVABLHQHQZYAYD30S5NTD71V0C
  • Story Text: Africa's number one lady of Motown proved she is still able to woo audiences when she made her first appearance in South Africa last week.
    Ross was singing at the official opening of a new concert venue in Johannesburg, the MTN Sundome on Thursday (April 9).
    The singer not only captured the hearts of a 15,000 strong audience at Sundome but also won the affection of the country's President, Nelson Mandela.
    During the concert and half way through the singer's performance, President Mandela made a surprise appearance on stage.
    The day before the concert Mandela met Ross privately at his Houghton residence where they are reported to have discussed children, life and security.They later appeared before the media hand in hand.Diana later confessed to have been shaking so much that Mandela grasped her hand.
    Ross was overwhelmed to meet Mandela.
    "I think in life we meet very few people that make such a difference in peoples' lives.Very few moments in our life do we touch greatness and I really feel that is what he possesses," she said.
    President Mandela said he was honoured to have met Diana Ross, not just for the role she has played with music but also for supporting worthy causes.
    Mandela was in fact the guest of honour at the concert and when he went up on stage during Ross's performance the astounded audience roared their approval.Ross was moved to tears.
    The concert was an astounding success for Ross.She left South Africa the following day under a different name - Diana 'Nomvula' Ross, a Zulu name given to her when, following a press conference, the heavens opened and the city was hit by a severe hail storm.
    Nomvula translates as "she who brings the rain" and is a Zulu name for those who bring good luck.
    The star is already making plans for a return journey to the country next year, where she is set to embark on an extensive tour.
    Diana Ross first found fame with girl group, The Supremes, the most successful female trio of the sixties.
    She left the group to find her own fame in 1970 and a string of hits ensued.
    Her best known tunes are "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", "You Are Everything", "Upside Down" and "Endless Love" which the singer recorded with Lionel Richie.
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