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Nelson Mandela Gets His Own Music Channel on SiriusXM

Nelson Mandela, SiriusXM, music tribute channel, RZA

As Nelson Mandela‘s body lies in state until the December 15 burial, salutes to the South African leader continue to pour in, including from the world of music that played such a powerful role in his life.

SiriusXM is starting an entire channel of music commemorating Mandela’s life and legacy, the satellite radio provider announced today. “The Nelson Mandela Music Tribute Channel” will feature musical tributes from Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Paul Simon, Bono, Sting, and Hugh Masekela. Listeners will also hear music celebrating South Africa and the anti-apartheid movement. Other music in the channel’s lineup will honor Mandela’s efforts for civil rights and social change — in this category, the company includes Carlos Santana, Bob Marley, and R. Kelly (after all, there’s a lot more to Kellz than latest album Black Panties).

The Nelson Mandela channel launches on December 13 at noon EST and will run through December 15. Hear it via satellite on SiriusXM channel 111, through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App on mobile devices, or online at SiriusXM’s website.

Bono, Aretha Franklin, and, yup, Kelly are among many from the music realm who have paid tribute to Mandela since his death December 5 at age 95. More recently, Wu-Tang Clan maestro RZA followed his Paul Walker tribute with Mandela elegy “Gift of Hope,” another earnest ballad with vocals from Will Wells; hear it below (in a Soundcloud message, RZA says it’s also inspired by his work on the new FOX crime drama Gang Related, so just bear that in mind). Earlier this week, Jay Z closed out a show at Los Angeles’ Staples Center by dedicating his song “Young Forever” to Mandela, and you can scroll down to watch footage.

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