Music World Pays Tribute To Nelson Mandela

Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and One Direction are among the music stars who have paid tribute to the late-great Nelson Mandela.

The former South African President died from of a lung infection at his home in Haughton, Johannesberg last night, aged 95, prompting millions of tributes from across the globe.

Posting of a picture of herself with Nelson Mandela, Mariah Carey wrote on Instagram: “My heart is breaking with everybody in the world, yet I'm feeling so humbled and blessed to have been in the presence of this magnificent soul..arguably the greatest hero ever to grace us. His sacrifice & gift to the world are incomprehensible. RIP Mandela.”

Also posting an image on Instagram, Rihanna remembered Mandela by writing: “One of the greatest men who's ever lived!!! #Legend We will never forget the things this man has taught us, and we will never truly comprehend the level of strength that it took for him to endure many of his years!! Thank you #Mandela.”

In a heartfelt message, Lady Gaga said: “It is such a sad yet beautiful moment that Nelson Mandela has passed. A time to celebrate him & remember his contributions to humankind.”

And Jessie J’s emotionally-charged homage read: “Nelson Mandela showed and acted out in front of the world what the true meaning of ‘fight for what you believe in’ is!

“Thank you for giving humanity your humbling spirit everyday until the very end. I am so happy that one day my future children will learn about you as a genuine leader of love and peace. An example to all. You are an angel. R.I.P.”

U2 frontman Bono, who worked with Mandela to end African poverty, wrote a lengthy tribute in Time.

"Mandela would be remembered as a remarkable man just for what happened - and didn't happen - in South Africa's transition," the Irish vocalist said.

"But more than anyone, it was he who rebooted the idea of Africa from a continent in chaos to a much more romantic view, one in keeping with the majesty of the landscape and the nobility of even its poorer inhabitants.

"He was also a hardheaded realist, as his economic policy demonstrated. To him, principles and pragmatism were not foes; they went hand in hand. He was an idealist without naiveté, a compromiser without being compromised."

Other tributes from across the music world include: