Amandla! A Revolution In Four Part Harmony [DVD]

An important film about the role of music in the anti-apartheid movement. Essentially viewing.

This is an excellent history of the role of music in the anti-aparthied struggle of S/A. Familiar greats like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masakela are covered as well as interesting lost history such as the tale of Vuyisile Mini (who was hanged in 1964 for fight-the power songs such as "Beware Voeword.").For the most part, these are not "We Shall Overcome" or "Kum by Ya" type of anthems (though that's cool in it's place). This is hardcore, fight-the power, we ain't gonna take it type of music. Sibongile Kumalo's song about the struggle near the end of the film will bring tears to your eyes-first for the beauty of her voice and THEN when you read the translation! The sequences of the Toyi-toyi (the war dance of S/A) are inspirational and revealing, as is this DVD itself.Moving scenes abound. A picture is shown of a beautiful S/A teenager sitting prettily on a sofa, then the camera pulls back to reveal that she has a machine gun next to her. One young lady, crying at the funeral of a comrade in the midst of the struggle cries, "I wish I were a dog! I wish I were cattle grazing in the grass!" If you can watch scenes like that with a dry eye then something is WRONG with you!We also have some extra-rare footage of the young Nelson Mandela (in 1961, prior to his imprisonment) telling of his views on the choice of violence or nonviolence. There is also footage of his sentancing in 1964 and his eventual release. The scenes of his dancing in celebration are a sight to behold!But enough of this. Get it and see and hear the power that music has over the human spirit! I'd give it ten stars!

Amandla - A Revolution in Four Part Harmony - tells the story of four periods in the history of South Africa, from 1948 until today. From the beginning of legalized apartheid, through the oppression of the sixties, to the uprising of the late seveties and Mandela's release in the early 90's. Each period is presented through its Ngoma - the music that was an integral part of the political struggle. It is clear from watching the film the music was one of the weapons used to "engage the apartheid regime".There are many emotional moments - moments of despair, moments of joy. People such as Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masakela and Abdullah Ibrahim speak candidly about their exile, and their love for their country. The songs, such as "What have we done ?" and the "Toy Toy" song and dance are also the heroes of this film, as well as a collection of freedom fighters who all speak with great eloquence and sincerity. (It should be noted that Jesse Jackson who is listed as one of the "stars" - is actually shown for no more than 5 seconds).The film is an inspiration to any lover of freedom, in a period where despair may seem a reasonable conclusion. If you love freedom and you love music - get this DVD.

I have looked at it on 2 occasions and plan to do so again. As a student of social change, especially where oppression is based on ascriptive and immutable criteria such as race, I was intrigued by the manner in which "music" was used to mobilize and educate the liminally-situated Black South Africans to contest the system of Apartheid. The words, the clicking vocal sounds of Miriam Makeba, and the bodily movements of the oppressed as they assembled and marched were fascinating. As one anti-Apartheid participant put it with respect to the use of song and dance in the service of liberation, and to call on the ancestors to free them, "How do you stop people from singing?, Other interesting themes included the use of the "trains" as a metaphor for undermining the family life of the oppressed and the courage displayed by leaders like Vuysile Mini, as they went to their death by hanging.Maurice St. Pierre, Ph.D.Retired Professor Sociology

I am a black West Indian who had been fortunate enough to see this documentary before I bought the DVD....it is fantastic and moving and emotional and awe inspiring! I looked at it thorugh a veil of tears! Every individual alive regardless of race needs to purchase this DVD and take a good long repeated look at this documentary which chronicles the resilience of the human spirit....I felt inspired to stand on principle and proud to be alive after looking at the documentary. It was REAL...Nothing put on for the cameras...the pride the people felt for their songs and for their leaders and the strength to keep up the fight was palpable throughout...Hugh Masakela, Myriam Makeba and the other performers who faced racism and hatred everyday still loved their country and that was obvious throughout...from the travesty that was Aparthied we now fortunately have a glimpse into one aspect of what it took to keep South African victims of apartheid motivated to fight the power! AMANDLA!

A powerful documentary about music and dance as a powerful element the anti apartheid movement. Wonderful interviews, including Miriam Makeba, Mama Africa. I’ve watched this multiple times and haven’t tired of it.

This very special documentary about the importance of music in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement captures what really fortifies a people's struggle. While many are aware of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle, few have recorded or even recognized that this movement's music anchored people long terrorized. Words alone can't fully explain this, but song can. And the recognition of this is the film's genius.But I wanted more. I almost wish this unique documentary recorded even more of the music to express the evolution of the anti-apartheid movement, instead of how changes in the movement fueled changes in the music. Easier said than done with such rich material. Clearly this was a massive undertaking - especially when listening to the revealing commentary from director Lee Hirsch and producer Sherry Simpson-Dean. I've been following their careers for quite awhile and hope to see much more from their partnership.

If you are interested in struggle against apartheid and afriacan music then you can't go wrong with this movie .it really shows the power and importance of music in African life and culture and how it can help galvinize political resistance

This was everything it promised to be, and more! A wonderful exploration and celebration of the importance of music in the anti-Apartheid struggle in South Africa. I love it. Made me quite emotional.

Loved this DVD. It shows original footage and interviews the brave freedom fighters who were not butchered to death by the apartheid regime.

Inspirational activists in the greatest victorious struggle of our generation - tells it how it was - viva Nelson Mandela

Arrived in a day and the DVD is an excellent documentary about the role of music in the fight against apartheid. I would reccommend both the DVD and the seller.