Nelson Mandela Once Called the Spice Girls His ‘Heroes’
In the 1990s, the Spice Girls were one of Britain’s biggest groups. They dominated the charts and won countless people over with their style and attitudes. They could even count several world leaders as their fans. When the Spice Girls visited South Africa to perform a charity concert, Nelson Mandela spoke about his admiration for them.
Nelson Mandela had glowing words to say about the Spice Girls
In 1997, the Spice Girls traveled to Johannesburg to perform a charity concert. The event would support the Nation’s Trust, which Mandela and the British monarchy established to benefit South African entrepreneurs. Ahead of the show, the group took part in a press conference with Mandela and the future King Charles III. The former could scarcely stop smiling.
“You know, these are my heroes,” Mandela said, per HuffPost, adding, “It’s one of the greatest moments in my life.”
Geri Halliwell gave a speech in which she praised Mandela, connecting his messaging to that of the Spice Girls.
“I think there’s a classic speech that Nelson Mandela did, I can’t remember exactly, but he mentioned [to] never suppress yourself, never make yourself feel small for others’ insecurities,” she said. “And that’s what girl power is all about. So I think we’re on the same level, in that view.”
In response to the group’s compliments, Mandela said they were just being “generous to an old man.” One of the Spice Girls reportedly responded, “You’re as young as the girl you feel, and I’m 25.”
The Spice Girls also met Prince Charles
Charles was also present at the press conference. When he took the podium, he described it as one of the best days of his life.
“It is the second greatest moment in my life,” he said. “The greatest was the first time that I met them.”
The first time the group met Charles was at a 1997 gala. The group ignored protocol and greeted him warmly.
“At the time, I was one of the shyer members of the band, so I was cringing inside as the girls were kissing Prince Charles,” Mel C told People. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe they’re doing it.’ But now I’m really proud that the girls did that because I think that’s part of the reason the world fell in love with the Spice Girls. We were kind of doing what everybody wished they could do, and it was never with malice. It was always with a smile.”
Does the group have plans to reunite?
Given the joy the group brought those around them, it’s hardly surprising that fans are eager for a Spice Girls reunion. Earlier this year, it seemed likely. At this point, though, they’ve scrapped their plans.
“Geri has had enough to deal with after all the drama with her husband’s relationship with his assistant,” a source said, per Marie Claire. “[I]t has been a tough enough time — and she’s just lost patience with Mel [B] and her little digs and jibes.”
At this point, Halliwell reportedly has no intention of working with Mel B. Without her, the potential reunion tour fell apart.
