A birthday party and forum for Mandela

Pop stars will be in the front row helping former South African President Nelson Mandela celebrate his 85th birthday on Friday. Destiny’s Child singer Beyonce Knowles will host “Meeting Mandela: A Staying Alive Special,” in which Mandela addresses the African HIV/AIDS epidemic, the Israel-Palestinian conflict and other political and social issues. The one-hour show, shot in Johannesburg and being carried internationally, airs in the U.S. Friday at 8 p.m. on MTV as part of the channel’s Fight for Your Rights: Protect Yourself campaign to educate youths about sexual health.

-- Randy Lewis