Gil Scott-Heron's Johannesburg is a funky track about apartheid South Africa. As always, Scott-Heron's conscious, politically-charged material is enjoyable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDkQY6cOH0s
Max Roach's Tears for Johannesburg refers to the Sharpeville Massacre where anti-apatheid protesters were shot and killed. At least 69 were murdered and the recent massacre of striking mine workers at Marikana echoed the Sharpeville Massacre.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgNWYmgdO5Q
Max Roach's Man from South Africa is a jazz piece composed in honor for anti-apartheid South Africans. Roach, a committed black nationalist, was also dedicated to African liberation and the American Civil Rights Movement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3aALURKt1U
Ibrahim Abdullah's Mannenberg refers to District 6 of Cape Town, which was forcibly evacuated during apartheid. Apparently the melody came from some old marabi song, which can be heard here. Read about it here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJw6weFdJOw
Ndodemnyama (Miriam Makeba) is a song composed by a South African who was executed during apartheid while singing his anti-apartheid anthem. The song is a warning to Verwoerd, the architect of South Africa's apartheid policy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYwgmOxhUvk
Khawuleza (Miriam Makeba) is a beautiful song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwi_MdAdyHc
Bob Marley's War makes references to apartheid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL9DXaXufh8
A Tribe Called Quest's Steve Biko (Stir It Up) is not really about Steve Biko or apartheid, but does mention him in the title.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZItLBiHG9gc
Peter Gabriel's Biko is actually about Steve Biko, the leader of the Black Consciousness Movement during anti-apartheid days. A stirring tribute from Peter Gabriel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ncVyxQRw70
The list of anti-apartheid songs is obviously quite extensive. A future post will give additional songs.
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