The Special AKA, Nelson Mandela, 1984 on Two Tone

Extended version 12″ single from The Specials (Special AKA), produced by Elvis Costello. One of my favorite early 80s ska protest songs. Now dated in its reference but hey – never forget: Mandela was in prison for 27 years but would go on to be the president of South Africa. It’s an amazing story in which the song is just a footnote, but was very compelling, real, and timely in 1984.

My copy—a UK pressing on 2 Tone labels with Chrysalis copyright and marketing and a picture sleeve—via Antone’s Records in Austin TX.

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