Invictus by William Ernest Henley, is one of the most popular poems of all time, presenting a stirring vision of personal strength and resilience. These same qualities have characterized the man who inspired the poem, Nelson Mandela, as he led his nation out of the dark night of apartheid and into the new day of freedom and democracy.

But what makes Nelson Mandela such an inspiring figure, not just as a political leader but as a symbol of the human spirit? One aspect of his greatness was his voice - deep, sonorous, and resonant with history and hope. In this article, we explore what it takes to learn to sing like Nelson Mandela, and how the Singing Carrots platform can help.

Mandela's voice was not just powerful - it was expressive, evocative, always commanding attention and communicating deep emotion. His speeches and interviews were as much performances as they were statements of policy. They demanded to be heard, and they left an indelible impression.

The key to Mandela's voice lay in his ability to modulate between different registers, projecting force when necessary and gentleness when that was called for. He had a rich bass-baritone, which he carefully honed over the years. His pronunciation was impeccable, reflecting his deep appreciation for language in all its forms.

Songs to showcase his unique vocal technique

1. Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika - This hymn, originally composed in 1897 by Enoch Sontonga, became a rallying cry for anti-apartheid activists, and later served as the national anthem of South Africa. Mandela often sang it at public events, imbuing it with his own blend of pride and defiance.
2. Wimoweh - Also known as "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," this African folk song was a favorite of Mandela's. He often sang it during his imprisonment on Robben Island, using his voice to connect with his fellow inmates and preserve his own sense of dignity.
3. Free Nelson Mandela - This classic protest song was written by the Special AKA in 1984, and quickly became an anthem for activists around the world. Mandela himself expressed his admiration for the song, which captured the urgency and hope of the movement for his release from prison.

Practical tips to learn to sing like Nelson Mandela

To learn to sing like Nelson Mandela, it's helpful to focus on a few core techniques:

1. Breathing - Good breath support is key to any kind of vocal performance, and especially so for a deep, resonant voice like Mandela's. Check out our blog post on breath support for more tips.
2. Resonance - To get that rich, full sound, you'll need to focus on creating resonance in your chest and throat. Our blog post on resonance in singing has more on this topic.
3. Pronunciation - Clear enunciation is essential for conveying meaning and emotion. Be sure to practice your diction, and pay close attention to the nuances of the lyrics.
4. Emotion - Finally, never underestimate the power of connecting with your audience on an emotional level. Whether you're singing a protest song or a hymn, be sure to tap into the deeper meanings and intentions behind the words.

Singing Carrots resources for learning to sing like Nelson Mandela

1. Pitch Training - Our interactive vocal warm-ups and exercises can help you develop greater pitch accuracy and range, allowing you to fully express yourself vocally.
2. Song search - Our search function lets you find songs that showcase your particular vocal range, difficulty level, and genre preferences. You can even browse by artist, to find songs that Mandela himself sang.
3. Vocal ranges of famous singers - Our database of over 5,000 vocal ranges includes Mandela's own range, as well as those of many other famous singers. Use this tool to get a sense of what kind of vocal range you should be aiming for.
4. Educational singing course - Our 21-lesson course covers everything from basic breathing techniques to developing your own unique vocal style. Each lesson includes exercises and assignments tailored to your skill level.

Now you know how to sing like Nelson Mandela and have the tools to do it. So go ahead and start practicing! Before long, you'll be belting out "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" with the same power and passion as the man himself.