Hong Kong band Beyond's 'Glorious Days' a lasting tribute to Mandela

Around the world, streets, avenues and high-rise housing blocks bear the name of Nelson Mandela, paying tribute to his lifelong struggle for freedom.

But in Hong Kong, the anti-apartheid icon has his name cemented in what is arguably a much longer-lasting form - song.

And not just any song. The 1991 track Glorious Days by the city's most famous rock band Beyond, which became a Cantonese anthem for idealistic youth, is from beginning to end a homage to Mandela.

"Never stop struggling with uncertainty. I believe the future can be altered. But who can achieve it?" the lyrics read in part.

Today, it is widely used as one of the theme songs in local demonstrations because of its message of anti-racism and aspiration to freedom.

Yesterday Hong Kong joined the rest of the world in mourning Mandela.

Phumelele Gwala, the South African consul general, spoke of her shock. "The loss we are feeling right now is deep, deep as individuals and deep for the whole country," she said.