By Alex Ndegwa In London

Former South African President Nelson Mandela celebrated his 90th birthday at a massive concert in London’s Hyde Park and declared the freedom struggle must continue.

Mandela, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964, and spent 27 years behind bars for challenging brutal white rule in South Africa, said the “work is far from complete.”

Mandela called for renewed efforts to help victims of poverty and HIV/Aids, and to stamp out racial inequality in the world.

“Even as we celebrate today, let us remember that our work is far from over, whether it is the fight against poverty, illness or oppression of human beings. There is more work to be done and our work is for freedom for all,” Mandela told the over 50,000 people attending his birthday gig.

The event was broadcast live to an estimated 1 billion people worldwide.

The world icon urged the audience to take over the mantle of the anti-Aids campaign spearheaded by his charity organisation, the 46664, named after his prison number.

“After nearly 90 years of life, it is time for new hands to lift the burden. It is in your hands now,” Mandela said echoing the rallying call for Friday night’s event: ‘It is in your hands now.’

A host of top singers including Kenya’s Suzanna Owiyo, multiple-Grammy award winner Amy Winehouse and Hollywood star Will Smith performed during the four-hour concert. Zain Group, an international telecommunications company sponsored the event.

The Soweto Gospel Choir backed the musicians in a night of pomp, colour and glamour.

Mandela spoke at 8.30pm when he walked on stage supported by his wife, Graca Machel.

The artists sang happy birthday for the frail but indefatigable leader. Owiyo sprinkled star-dust on a glittering concert with her afro-fusion performance dedicated to African children, while reggae artist Eddie Grant drove the crowd into frenzy with his hit, ‘I donn wonna dance.”

But the showstopper was the hit-song ‘Free Nelson Mandela” performed by all the artists led by Winehouse.

Mandela recalled with nostalgia that 30 years ago, a similar concert took place in London to press for South Africa’s freedom and “tonight we can stand before you free and are honoured to be back for this wonderful occasion.”

The 46664 campaign was conceived to fight the HIV/Aids pandemic by breaking the cycle of new infections and focusing on awareness and prevention measures.