Under African Skies

Under African Skies is a spectacularly profound documentary film that takes its audience on an emotional journey through time and space. Released in 2012, the documentary is a meticulously woven tapestry telling of Paul Simon's famous Graceland journey in 1986 and highlighting the remarkable story of how the artist pushed past intense political crossfire to collaborate with South African musicians during the apartheid era.

The film was directed by the Emmy-award winning director Joe Berlinger and stars singer-songwriter Paul Simon as the main protagonist, alongside the legendary poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou and the skilled Ghanaian drummer Okeyrema Asante. The movie is a brilliant blend of political history, powerful music, emotive storytelling, and explorations into the realm of cultural interconnections, making it an unforgettable experience for viewers.

From the start, viewers are taken on an engrossing journey as Paul Simon tells the story of his bold decision to challenge the UN's cultural embargo of South Africa to create his 1986 album, "Graceland". As he recalls that time, the audience is also provided glimpses into the tumultuous era that saw the horrific racial segregation policy known as apartheid ripping South Africa apart, putting it at the centre of global controversy.

A substantial portion of the film consists of Simon returning to South Africa in 2011 for a reunion concert marking the 25th anniversary of the Graceland album. This offers the rare opportunity to see Paul Simon interacting with the local musicians he worked with all those years ago, reminiscing about their shared past and the extraordinary music that they produced. The snippets of his live performances add a layer of energy and vibrancy, creating another engaging dimension to the movie.

With the unexpected element of having Maya Angelou and Okeyrema Asante in the film, the documentary accentuates the complex and contrasting human experiences during that period. Angelou’s powerful speaking voice brings an added emotional authenticity, while Asante’s rhythmic beat offers a symbolic representation of the African spirit and culture.

The movie also materialises a series of debates and discussions that happened during that time. Watching Under African Skies, the audience would see how Simon's path-breaking album had sparked a storm of controversy with critics accusing him of breaking the cultural boycott and, in turn, abetting the South African regime. The documentary does not shy away from these criticisms, providing a balanced view of the debate and giving time to both Simon and his critics.

In addition to interviews with those who were directly involved with the Graceland album, the film also features interviews with various prominent personalities, including the anti-apartheid activists and musicians who were around during the time of Simon's controversial decision. These featurettes aid in presenting a well-rounded understanding of the atmosphere and context of that period.

Exquisitely captured, the audience is also shown the rich landscapes, cityscape, and faces of South Africa, providing a visual representation of the country and its culture that inspired the Graceland album. The music in the documentary, linked invariably to its narrative, adds a pulsating beat to the overall storytelling, thereby intensifying the watching experience.

Emotionally stirring and culturally vibrant, Under African Skies serves as both a captivating exploration into a significant part of music and political history, while also showcasing the transformative power of music. It brings to light the relationships formed over music, the passion, as well as the controversies and debates that surrounded the making of one of America's most beloved international albums, "Graceland". As a result, the film provides a new appreciation and understanding of Paul Simon's artistry and vision, making it a must-watch for all music fans and history enthusiasts. Whether you're a fan of Paul Simon's work or a lover of compelling historical documentaries, Under African Skies makes for a fascinating watch that isn't to be missed.