Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony

Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony is a 2002 award-winning South African documentary film that blends music, politics, and history to reveal a profound story of resistance and the power of the human spirit. The film is directed by Lee Hirsch, who showcases the vital role that music played during the apartheid regime in South Africa. It vividly brings out the key movement’s events and the notable figures involved, with a specific focus on musicians like Abdullah Ibrahim, Duma Ka Ndlovu, and Vusi Mahlasela.

The title "Amandla" is a Zulu and Xhosa word meaning 'power.' The loaded term was acclimatized as an anthem and a rallying cry for freedom during the violent period of apartheid. The inclusion of 'Revolution in Four Part Harmony' further cements the underlying theme relating music with the resistance movement.

The film investigates the influence of music in sparking a revolution and its potential to express messages of freedom, defiance, unity, and hope during a precarious time for South Africa's Black communities.

The film features powerful, emotional and heart-rending interviews with iconic South African musicians such as Abdullah Ibrahim, the legendary jazz pianist and Duma Ka Ndlovu, a South African musical star. It also involves reflective narratives about the struggle with the South African musician, actor, and songwriter Vusi Mahlasela, whose music has often been described as 'the voice' of South Africa. These musical heavyweights eloquently explain the interdependence between the struggle for freedom and the songs that fueled that struggle.

During its course, Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony delves deeper into the symbiotic relationship between music and political activism in South Africa. This documentary creatively uses musical footage and individual stories to reflect on seven decades of oppression under the apartheid regime.

The film, through its personal and intimate interviews, archival footage, still photos, extraordinary performances, narrates a tale of distress, pain, resistance, and finally triumph. The film highlights how throughout the apartheid era music was not merely a form of entertainment but served as a tool for mobilization, a release, and a means of communication for the oppressed masses.

The narrative of the film is set chronologically, starting from the establishment of apartheid in 1948, providing a historical context to South Africa's ostracization and the emergence of the resistance movements. It then shines a light on the Sharpeville massacre in 1960, one of the most significant displays of state brutality leading to a radical shift in the policy of the African National Congress (ANC) towards armed struggle. It further elaborates on the stirring events of the youth uprisings in 1976 and ultimately South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994.

The interweaving of music and politics throughout the film demonstrates the intersections of culture and resistance during the apartheid era. It shows how music, melodies, chants, and songs became powerful instruments to resist the brutal apartheid regime. The songs, some militant, others mournful, others inspiring, elicits the powerful message of resilience, pride, and struggle for the fight for freedom and equality.

The documentary’s inherent strength lies in its powerful music that ranges from tribal songs, freedom songs, to jazz fusion, coupled with searing depictions of human rights abuses and police beatings eliciting an intense yet inspiring viewing experience. The in-depth look at the different music forms is, in itself, an exploration of the rich cultural diversity that exists in South Africa.

Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony, though heart-wrenching at times, is fundamentally a story of hope and resilience. It celebrates the triumph of the human spirit against adversity and shines a light on the power of music as a unifying force amidst the turmoil.

In summary, Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony is more than just a documentary. It’s a vibrant tribute to the inspirational role music played in uniting South Africa's oppressed masses, becoming the lifeblood of their sustained struggle against the brutal apartheid regime. It emphasizes that music is not a mere accompaniment to history, rather an active force that can change the world. Overall, the film is a stunning portrayal of music's capacity to connect people, instill courage, and inspire change during a dark chapter in South Africa's history.