Feb 15, 2008, 11:35 GMT
The Spice Girls are set to headline Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday concert this summer.
'Spice Girls' members (L-R) Melanie Chisholm (alias Sporty Spice, Mel B), Emma Burton (alias Baby Spice), Melanie Brown (alias Scary Spice, Mel B), Geri Halliwell (alias Ginger Spice) and Victoria Beckham (alias Posh Spice) EPA/MATTEO BAZZI
The former South African President is keen for the 90s girl band - who announced they will split again after their comeback world tour finishes this month - to perform one last time at the milestone event at London's Hyde Park in June.
A source said: "Nelson is desperate for them to sing one last time and he's confident it will happen. He first met the girls in 1997 and called them his heroes. He has deep admiration for them."
The group - Victoria Beckham, Mel B, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Mel C - were asked to perform at Mandela's 89th birthday celebrations last year but had to decline because of work commitments as well as Emma being heavily pregnant.
Mandela was first introduced to the girls in 1997, during the height of their fame, at his official presidential residence, Mahlamba Nalopfu, in Pretoria, South Africa.
Other stars set to take part in the celebrations include the Rolling Stones, Annie Lennox and U2 star Bono.
Queen have also confirmed they will perform. Robbie Williams is rumoured to be planning to sing with the band dressed as their legendary frontman Freddie Mercury.
The source added to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "This concert is going to be the talk of the decade. Nelson is a hero and thousands of fans will turn out to support him - as well as the biggest names in showbiz."
(C) BANG Media International
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