UPDATE:Nelson Mandela died at home in Johannesburg at age 95 on Thursday Dec. 5, 2013.
The makers of "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," a biographical film starring Idris Elba, must have assumed it would be an epitaph for one of the greatest and bravest political figures of all time after Nelson Mandela was hospitalized earlier this year. But as with the rest of his life, the now 95-year-old Mandela has persevered and beaten all the odds, though he remains under medical care at his home.
A civil rights pioneer, anti-apartheid crusader, author, philanthropist and former South African president, Mandela is a global inspiration. But the scope of Mandela’s influence transcends politics -- over the course of the last 50 years, his work has also inspired a number of famous songs. These now include "Ordinary Love," the new song by U2, written for the new film's soundtrack.
"When I asked them to consider writing a song for 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,' it was the fastest 'yes' I have ever received," famed movie producer Harvey Weinstein said. "The band saw various cuts of the film over the summer and worked diligently to write a song that truly reflects Nelson Mandela. I think they did a brilliant job honoring the man and the leader they have known for over 20 years."
In the video gallery below, we take a look at the best songs written in Mandela’s honour.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story stated that Mandela died on Dec. 12. The date has been corrected.