Paul Robeson's links with Wales date back to the 1930s

After visiting the tribute in Cardiff, High Commissioner Lindiwe Mabuza said it must go on show in her country.

The exhibition tells the story of the multi-talented African American whose struggle for human rights inspired people across the world.

It has already been on an extensive tour of Wales.

In Wales everyone you meet, certainly anyone over the age of 50, has some personal memory of him Beverley Humphreys

Robeson, who died in Philadelphia in 1976, began his strong bond with Wales in the 1930s when he performed in miners' clubs from Mountain Ash to Caernarfon.

The actor, singer, athlete, writer, and political and civil rights activist said it was in Wales that he formulated his political and philosophical views.

His 1940 film Proud Valley was set in Wales and was said to be his favourite because it was the first time he was allowed to portray a black man as a true hero.

He became an outspoken activist for equality and human rights for all oppressed people whatever their colour or race and an advocate of world peace.

Miners' Eisteddfod

On his frequent trips overseas he was highly critical of the conditions experienced by black Americans, especially in the segregated southern states.

This, together with sympathies expressed towards the people of the Soviet Union, led to his being branded a communist by J. Edgar Hoover of the FBI.

In 1950, accused of un-American activities, the US State department denied him a passport.

He was imprisoned in his own country for eight years but his connection with Wales continued.

Before black South Africans were active themselves in the fight against racism, Paul Robeson's visionary activism was already fighting the cause Lindiwe Mabuza

To address the Miners' Eisteddfod in Porthcawl in 1957, he spoke via a transatlantic link to the then miners' leader Will Paynter.

The exhibition, Let Paul Robeson Sing, tells his life story through images and text and an excerpt of Proud Valley.

Exhibition co-ordinator Beverley Humphreys said: "Robeson's career, his talent and strength of character are an example to us all.

"In an age of celebrities Paul Robeson stands tall as a man of great charisma and conviction.

"In Wales everyone you meet, certainly anyone over the age of 50, has some personal memory of him."

Official reception

Welsh Labour MPs Hywel Francis and Alun Michael have been spearheading a campaign to take the exhibition to South Africa.

Mr Michael said: "When we first mentioned the idea of taking the exhibition to South Africa we thought we would take out the bits about his links to Wales.

"But Paul Robeson Jr. said no, the whole point of the exhibition is that his father had links with the people of Wales."

Former anti-Apartheid activist Ms Mabuza was given an official reception and tour of the exhibition at the Old Library in Cardiff on Friday.

She said: "This exhibition has touched me deeply.

"Before black South Africans were active themselves in the fight against racism, Paul Robeson's visionary activism was already fighting the cause.