As well as recognising the landmark date, the event will raise money for 46664, Mandela’s AIDS charity.

A source told Britain’s The Sun newspaper: 'Will Smith is a big fan of Nelson and wanted to help out. Nelson is so inspirational and so many artists want to be involved.

Razorlight, Keane, Queen and Annie Lennox are definites. U2, the Spice Girls and Sir Paul McCartney could join them and Eminem’s up for it too.

'We think it will be Nelson Mandela’s last international public appearance, which will make it even more special.' Should Eminem agree to perform it would be his first major concert appearance since his self-imposed retirement in 2005.

The event will be attended by 45,000 music fans, and special guests will include Britain's Princes William and Harry, former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, who is currently running to become the next President.

The first 46664 concert was held in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2003. There have since been events in Norway and Spain. The significance of 46664 is that it was Mandela’s inmate number during his imprisonment in apartheid South Africa from 1964 until 1990.