The American Idol star, who won an Oscar for her role in the 2006 box office hit Dreamgirls, will play the South African personality in the movie, which will begin shooting in South Africa in May next year, .

Winnie — directed by veteran South African filmmaker Darrell J. Roodt — will be shot on location in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Robben Island – where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years before becoming the country’s president.

Eighties pop star Cyndi Lauper teamed up with femcee Lil Kim for a duet performance of Cyndi’s smash classic “Time After Time” at the 91st birthday concert for former South African president Nelson Mandela. The Nelson Mandela Foundation and 46664 hosted the headliner event at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on Saturday, July 18.

France’s first lady Carla Bruni, soul legend Aretha Franklin, rocker Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, and Stevie Wonder were other notables present at yesterday’s celebration.

Leona Lewis 46664 Concert Interview

Leona Lewis “Bleeding Love”

VH1 will air the star-studded concert in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday later this month. VH1 will broadcast The 46664 Concert Honoring Nelson Mandela at 90 from London’s Hyde Park on June 27th, the network announced on Tuesday. Actor Will Smith will host for the musicial showcase, featuring headlines Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis.

Eminem has signed on to perform at the 90th birthday celebration for South African civil rights icon Nelson Mandela, according to new reports.

“We’re amazed to have Eminem on board….We wanted some of the greatest artists from recent times and Eminem was on the list.”

“It’s going to be explosive stuff and it’s certainly a big stage to make his comeback.”

Will Smith has been tapped to host the 90th birthday celebration in London’s Hyde Park this summer.