President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama received quite the welcome Tuesday at a memorial service for Nelson Mandela.

The crowd inside FNB Stadium in Soweto, South Africa erupted after the Obamas were shown on the video screens, an ovation that was described as a “deafening roar” in a pool report of the event. The cheering lasted nearly 30 seconds.

The President also drew a thunderous ovation when he approached the podium to deliver remarks in honor of the late South African leader.

This post has been updated.