Eminem to sing for Mandela

Eminem is to come out of his self-imposed retirement to sing at Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations, it has been announced.

Queen guitarist Brian May was said to have been trying to convince the controversial rapper to perform earlier this year, but it now appears that he has said yes.

The gig will be held at London's Hyde Park on June 27th this year in order to celebrate Mandela's humanitarian work. Other acts include Keane, Razorlight and Annie Lennox.

Geri Halliwell has also said that she may put in an appearance, the pair having been introduced at the height of the Spice Girls' fame in 1997.

An insider revealed their surprise at the confirmation of the news.

"We're amazed to have Eminem on board. It's going to be explosive stuff and it's certainly a big stage to make his comeback," the source said.

Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers, announced that he was to retire in 2005, but is said to have been working on a new album following his recovery from health problems earlier this year.

Some critics have said that they do not believe that Eminem's lyrics and criminal background are suitable for such an event; however the singer did famously perform with Elton John to rebuke claims that he was homophobic.

Prior to his retirement, he had a string of hits including Stan, Without Me and Lose Yourself, which was part of the soundtrack of his 2002 film, 8 Mile.