Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony

Forgive the cynicism, but it’s hard to believe that South Africa’s civil war was actually a successful one waged without a full-scale battle. Happy endings to tragic events seem to be the stuff of fairy tales rather than real life. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that apartheid was a travesty that the colonialists couldn’t continue to live with. More likely, it’s the spirit of South Africa’s black people that made it happen. This 29-track soundtrack for the Sundance-winning documentary features a musical history of the movement, often highlighting powerful rallying cries of revolution. There’re songs from such well-known figures as Mariam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim, and South African star Vusi Mahlasela, as well as members of Pretoria Central Prison and chanting crowds from various town hall meetings. Unlike typical CDs, the singers, musicians, and performances are less important; it’s the premise that’s the key here, and this moving collection adeptly captures the South African people’s strength and resolve to win their battle for freedom. --Tad Hendrickson Amazon.com

Perfection itself

Perfection itself. So necessary if one has seen the documentary "Amandla". These songs are the canon of the anti-Apartheid revolution. My favourites are "Beware, Verwoed", "The Untold Story", and "Toyi Toyi". January 7, 2008

Wonderful

This album truly reflects the highlighted sounds of the Amandla film. One can feel the pain, the suffering, the joy, the ubuntu! (ubuntu means humanity or community) September 30, 2007

I love it

if you love south African Music, then you must add this CD to your collection . Period March 13, 2007

FREEEEEEEDOM!!!

This CD is absolutely stunning ... I have been in South Africa on vacation and everytime I listen to this CD ... I am day dreaming ... Cape Town ... Robben Island ... Johannesburg ... Soweto ... all the places where generations of South African had been denied their freedom ... aboslutely stunning ... the incredible struggle of this incredible people ... and on top of everybody ... like a real king ... one of the best souls that our planet has seen ... NELSON MANDELA ... the best ... a person who should never die ... get this CD ... and if you haven't been yet to South Africa ... start saving money ... to go there as soon as you can ... you will love ... and when you will be back ... you will love this CD even more ... :D XA September 14, 2006

this cd changed my life

i saw the film; loved it. But i didn't *really* understand how great south african music was until i got this album. There are songs on here that give me goosebumps just thinking about them. And i still cry every time i listen to them, even after 40, 50, 60 repeats. A classic. April 27, 2006

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