Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony
Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony | |
---|---|
Directed by | Lee Hirsch |
Produced by | Sherry Simpson Dean & Desiree Markgraaff |
Cinematography | Brand Jordaan Ivan Leathers Clive Sacke |
Edited by | Johanna Demetrakas |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Artisan Entertainment |
Release date | 2002 |
Country | South Africa / United States |
Language | English / Zulu |
Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony is a 2002 documentary film depicting the struggles of black South Africans against the injustices of Apartheid through the use of music. The film takes its name from the Zulu and Xhosa word amandla, which means power.
The film was produced by Sherry Simpson Dean, Desiree Markgraaff and Lee Hirsch. Simpson Dean and Hirsch also produced the film's soundtrack of the same name. The collection of authentic South African "Freedom Songs" was executive produced by Dave Matthews and his label ATO Records.
Synopsis
South African musicians,
The freedom songs heard in the film have an important historical context. Particularly in the United States, freedom songs have referred to protest songs of the abolitionist, civil rights, and labor movements. Yet, in South Africa, the songs take on a different meaning, referring to a unique collection of songs tied to the struggle for racial equality during the 20th century. Stylistically, freedom songs originated in choir as a unifying and prevalent genre that combined southern African signing traditions with Christian hymns. Most of the songs have simple melodies and are sung a cappella. More importantly, they are composed and sung in groups, and often reflect changing political circumstances and attitudes.[2]
The film is bookmarked by the exhumation of the remains of Vuyisile Mini, trade union organizer, member of the African National Congress, and composer of "Beware Verwoerd" and other protest songs. Mini was executed by the apartheid regime in 1964.[3]
Awards
The film won the Audience Award and the Freedom of Expression Award at the 2002
Soundtrack
- "AMANDLA!", Protest meeting, Johannesburg
- "When You Come Back", Vusi Mahlasela
- "Lizobuya", Mbongeni Ngema
- "Meadowlands", Nancy Jacobs and sisters
- "Sad Times", Bad Times, The Original Cast of King Kong
- "Senzeni Na?", Vusi Mahlasela & Harmonious Serenade Choir
- "Beware Verwoerd (Naants’ Indod’ Emnyama)", Miriam Makeba
- "Y’zinga", Robben-Island PrisonSingers
- "Stimela", Hugh Masekela
- "Injamblo/Hambani Kunye Ne – Vangeli", Pretoria Central Prison
- "Mannenberg", Abdullah Ibrahim
- "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika", Soweto Community Hall
- "Thina Lomhlaba Siwugezi", Vusi Mahlasela
- "Mayibuye", Vusi Mahlasela
- "Thina Sizwe", SABC Choir
- "Folk Vibe No. 1", Tananas
- "Dabula Ngesi'bam", Soweto Community Hall
- "Sobahiya Abazali Ekhaya", Amandla Group
- "Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela)", Hugh Masekela
- "Did You Hear That Sound? (Dreamtime Improv)", Abdullah Ibrahim
- "S'bali", Joe Nina
- "Makuliwe", Soweto Community HalL
- "Bahleli Bonke", Miriam Makeba
- "Kuzobenjani Na?", Vusi Mahlasela
- "You Strike The Rock...", Sophie Mgcina and Dolly Rathebe
- "The Untold Story", Sibongile Khumalo with Themba Mkhize
- "Iyo", Harmonious Serenade Choir
- "Usilethela Uxolo (Nelson Mandela Brings Us Peace)", The African National Congress Choir
- "Toyi - Toyi Introduction/Kramat", Abdullah Ibrahim
References
- ^ Scott, A. O. (19 February 2003). "FILM REVIEW; The Sounds and Rhythms That Helped Bring Down Apartheid". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
- ISBN 978-1868144563.
- ^ Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony, 5:11
- ^ "Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony". hammer.ucla.edu. 20 June 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2023.