The story of Mandela’s journey from activist to revolutionary prisoner and the extraordinary highs and lows of the people-powered movement and musical activism that led to his freedom.
Episode One: White Supremacy
Nelson Mandela leads the fightback against the South African government as their racist apartheid system becomes increasingly murderous. When Mandela is imprisoned for life on Robben Island, the global anti-apartheid movement organised by his friend Oliver Tambo campaigns for his release. It is the biggest ever movement to free a prisoner. Exiled singer Miriam Makeba helps inspire musical legends from Gil Scott Heron to Bob Marley to join the struggle. In prison, Mandela is forced to breaking point by hard labour, the death of his son and the torture of his wife Winnie. But the Soweto Uprisings and the rise of a new leader, Steve Biko, show the spirit of resistance is not dead. When Biko is murdered, rock star Peter Gabriel writes a song that introduces a new generation to the struggle. Emboldened by the resistance inside the county and the support from outside, Mandela renews his vow to crush apartheid.
Episode Two: State of Emergency
In Robben Island Prison, Mandela wins over his white prison guards to his cause. The apartheid regime forces Winnie into internal exile and uses her infidelities to torture Mandela psychologically. Oliver Tambo uses the growing popularity of the Anti-Apartheid Movement to call for sanctions, and a new wave of ANC freedom fighters target South Africa’s infrastructure. But staunch resistance comes from Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan and South African president PW Botha, who launches a brutal crackdown. Jerry Dammers writes his song Free Nelson Mandela which popularises the slogan around the world and helps found Artists Against Apartheid. As South Africa descends into chaos, Mandela is offered his freedom if he renounces violence, but he refuses to compromise. Hundreds of thousands of people march globally in support of him and Jerry stages an epic concert in London with artists like Sade and Gil Scott Heron joining the call for sanctions. But, as Mandela’s health starts to deteriorate, will apartheid’s end come soon enough to prevent civil war?
Episode Three: The Whole World Is Watching
In hospital, Nelson Mandela is surprised by a visit from the South African Justice Secretary and starts secret talks with the apartheid regime. Stevie Van Zandt writes the protest song Sun City and American banks start to pull out of South Africa. Winnie and Nelson’s relationship comes under strain as she spirals out of control. The Anti-Apartheid Movement organises a year of celebration for Mandela’s 70th birthday that culminates with a concert in Wembley with Simple Minds and Stevie Wonder. It is watched by 600million people around the world, piling pressure on the apartheid regime. As Mandela’s health falters and Winnie is embroiled in allegations of murder, a breakthrough leads to Mandela’s release. But, as he emerges from prison and leads South Africa to freedom, the personal cost of the struggle is devastating.
THE GUARDIAN Brilliant. It’s gripping, it’s revelatory, & it pulls no punches.” 
