London concert honors Mandela's efforts

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LONDON, June 28 (UPI) -- Activist Nelson Mandela's anti-apartheid efforts made him worthy of an honorary concert in London's Hyde Park, participants say.

U.S. actor Will Smith, one of the celebrities who attended the British concert for Mandela's 90th birthday, said the former South African president's efforts to abolish apartheid made him a historical icon, The Daily Telegraph reported Saturday.

"He'll probably be remembered as the greatest historical figure of this era," Smith said during Friday's concert.

The event included performances by singers Annie Lennox, Leona Lewis and Amy Winehouse. Winehouse attended the function despite being hospitalized this month.

Other notable performers who came out in support of Mandela were the bands Simple Minds and Queen, the British newspaper said.

The Telegraph said the celebrities on hand also included U.S. TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey and Hollywood actors Robert de Niro and Denzel Washington.