Paul Simon and Joe Berlinger
A new documentary Under African Skies makes its debut at the Sundance Film Festival today. It tells the story of the making and lasting influence of Paul Simon’s album Graceland.
 |
| Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo |
 |
| Family Portrait (from left to right) David Bowie, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Yoko Ono, John Lennon |
The director Joe Berlinger (Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills) collaborates with Paul Simon to take him on an adventure back to South Africa – which formally ended apartheid in 1994 - 25 years after Graceland’s release - covering where he recorded the album with local musicians, including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and the political and musical implications of his initial journey.
His artistic decision to collaborate with African musicians created a new world musical fusion, combining American and African musical idioms while igniting an intense political crossfire, with Paul Simon accused of breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime.
 |
| Anti-Apartheid movement South Africa |
Under African Skies features some key anti-apartheid activists and musical legends such as Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel and Oprah Winfrey.
"Prior to 'Graceland', the music of South Africa was largely unknown outside the country, except to a small minority of world music fans…" – Peter Gabriel
“In many ways, ‘Graceland’ was the most extraordinary experience in my entire career,” said Simon in a statement released by Sony Music. “The insight into rhythm was the great gift that I received from making the trip to South Africa and collaborating with African musicians.”
The opportunity presented a marriage of two subject matters Berlinger said he felt strongly about: social justice and music.
The universal appeal of the music of Graceland proved more powerful and enduring than the political hotbed attending its creation. In 1986, the album sold 14 million copies worldwide, and received universal praise from critics around the globe. Simon and the members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed on Saturday Night Live and appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone.
No comments:
Post a Comment