For South Africa, February 11, 1990 is a memorable date. On that day, anti-apartheid activist and future president Nelson Mandela was released from the Victor Verster Prison after spending 27 years behind bars.
Exiting hand in hand with his wife Winnie, he was greeted by a euphoric crowd of supporters who had waited hours outside the gates to see him walk out as a free man.
It was a historic moment that marked the beginning of the end of apartheid.
News of Mandela’s release was circulated around the world. Hong Kong singer Wong Ka-kui was so inspired that he wrote a song dedicated to Mandela’s story and struggle for freedom.
Called “Glorious Years”, the Cantonese song, as performed by Wong’s rock band Beyond, became an instant hit when it was released in September 1990.
Even today, its lyrics – which speak of freedom, equality and change – remain as powerful and poignant as ever and continue to resonate among today’s younger generations in Hong Kong.
