(ATO/BMG)
It is said that African children learn beats and rhythms before they learn to speak. Song has played a major role in the life Africans long before the tragedy of apartheid.
Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony is more than just a soundtrack; it is a preservation of history that should be cherished by generations who wish to understand the struggle of the South African people and the strength they drew from music. Amandla! accompanies a documentary charting the usage of song in South Africa's liberation from apartheid. At a whopping 29 songs, the CD offers an extensive glimpse at how song is an integral part of African culture.
This album opens a window into a world to which many of us have never been exposed. Song does not hold the place in American society that it does in Africa; one need only look at the content of popular song lyrics today to see the lack of substantial societal commentary. Amandla! is not only filled with lyrics used to express emotions and to motivate during South Africans' fight for liberation, but it is also infused with a combination of several different styles of music that make it a broadening and enjoyable musical experience.
The lyrics speak of freedom and strength, while the music ranges from earthy jazz to uplifting choral arrangements. A few songs evoke images of a tribal celebration, but the majority of them reach out with a deeper meaning that can be felt even if one is not able to understand the lyrics.
Every song carries its own message and emotion, and the personal struggle of South Africans is evident throughout. Some songs carry more tangible passion than others, such as \Thina Sizwe,"" a mournful choral ballad, or ""The Untold Story,"" sung by a woman with an extremely powerful voice.
Others are simply pleasurable to listen to, such as ""Sad Times, Bad Times,"" which is heavily influenced by African American jazz, or ""Stimela,"" a song by a very popular South African musician.
Though some lyrics may not be immediately understood by every listener, the power of the music itself declares Amandla's strength. Overall, this album is an eye-opening view of the way music can be used as a tool for social reformation and it offers lessons to us all that make it worth the time it takes to experience it.
