Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony [Enhanced] [Soundtrack]

amandla! a revolution in four-part harmony [enhanced] [soundtrack]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
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

Dave Matthews
"Amandla! is an incredibly beautiful story of how something as peaceful as music can be a powerful weapon...music was the inspirational soundtrack to the revolution."

Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony,Various Artists,Ato Records,Pop,Soundtrack,Soundtracks & Film Scores

Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony [Enhanced] [Soundtrack]

Average customer rating:

I love it
FREEEEEEEDOM!!!
this cd changed my life
See the DVD, then get the CD
Buy the CD, but be certain to see the film.

Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony

Manufacturer: Ato Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony
The Voice
Mama Africa: The Very Best of Miriam Makeba
The Indestructible Beat of Soweto
Rhythm of Resistance - Black South African Music

ASIN: B00007MB6Z
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

Amandla! - Amandla
When You Come Back - Vusi Mahlasela
Lizobuya - Mbongeni Ngema
Meadowlands - Nancy Jacobs And Sisters
Sad Times, Bad Times - The Original Cast Members Of King Kong
Senzeni Na? - Harmonius Serade Choir
Beware Verwoerd (Naants' Indod'Emnyama) - Miriam Makeba
Y'Zinga - Robben-Island Prison Singers
Stimela - Hugh Masekela
Injambo/Hambani Kunye Ne-Vangeli - Pretoria Central Prison
Mannenberg - Abdullah Ibrahim
Nkosi Sikelei - Soweto Community Hall
Thina Lomhlaba Siwugezi - Vusi Mahlasela
Mayibuye - Vusi Mahlesela
Thina Sizwe - SABC Choir
Folk Vibe #1 - Tananas
Dubula Ngesi'bam - Soweto Community Hall
Sobashiya Abazale - Amandla Group
Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela) - Hugh Masekela
Did You Hear That Sound (Dreamtime Improv) - Abdullah Ibrahim
S'Bali - Joe Nina
Makuliwe - Soweto Community Hall
Bahlei Bonke - Miriam Makeba
Kuzobenjani Na? - Vusi Mahlesela
'You Strike The Rock...' - Sophie Mgcina
The Untold Story - Sibongile Khumato
Iyo - Harmonious Serade Choir
Usi Letela Uxdlo (Nelson Mandela Brings Us Peace) - The African National Congress Choir
Toyi-Toyi/Kramat - Abdullah Ibrahim

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

I love it.......2007-03-13

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

FREEEEEEEDOM!!!.......2006-09-14

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

this cd changed my life.......2006-04-27

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.

See the DVD, then get the CD.......2005-03-21

If you've seen the great film Amandla! or have bought the DVD, do that before buying this CD. The CD is beautiful on its own, but since it is lacking in liner notes and translations, the DVD helps to put everything into context and enhances one's enjoyment of this music. My favorites here include "Sad Times Bad Times" from Miriam Makeba's 1959 musical play "King Kong" (I wish this soundtrack was available on CD in its entirety), the South African National Anthem, and the utterly beautuful and breathtaking "Untold Story." Anyone who hears that song after seeing it in the original film with dry eyes is someone with a serious lack of emotion! Enjoy!

Buy the CD, but be certain to see the film........2003-12-30

At a time in his life when most people are trying to figure out what is best for themselves, Lee Hirsch gave up everything to go to South Africa and begin documenting its music. Ten years later, the result of his efforst, "Amandla: Revolution in Four-Part Harmony," is a brilliant portrayal of the strength and courage of the resistance against Apartheid. Though some may find the notion romantic and unbelievable, rather than using bombs or guns to win the freedom and equality they longed for, they overcame their oppressors through song.
I was lucky enough to attend the Hollywood premiere of the documentary in February of 2003, and hear Mr. Hirsch describe the process of making the film. The thing that has stayed with me the most was shared by the executive producer, Sheila Nevins. She said that in her search to put score to scenes of horrific violence and oppression, she could find no "sad" music. All the music they heard was filled with hope, and most of all--joy. This, more than anything, represents the music on the soundtrack CD. While the soundtrack is extremely moving (Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrica brought me near tears), I would urge a person unfamiliar with the names on the CD to first view the movie; the songs take on a life of their own once the stories behind them are told.

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