BBC Four

BBC 4

The African Rock 'n' Roll Years

The African Rock 'n' Roll Years: Episode 2: South Africa: Songs of Freedom

Episode 2

Episode 2: South Africa: Songs of Freedom

South Africa: Songs of Freedom

BBC Four - The African Rock 'n' Roll Years, South Africa: Songs of Freedom

Featuring Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Series tracing the roots of African music. Featured artists include Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

This edition illustrates how South Africa's vibrant music scene developed in the apartheid era when songs were used as a way of hitting back against repression, just as they were in the fight against white rule in neighbouring Zimbabwe. 

Back in the late 1950s and 60s, Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela were the first African artists to find success in the west, thanks to their blend of American jazz styles and mbaqanga - South Africa's rousing homegrown pop. More recently, a new generation of singers and hip-hop artists have been trying to repeat their success and create their own new styles, mixing local influences with their continuing fascination with black American music. Featured artists include Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Abdullah Ibrahim, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Thomas Mapfumo and newcomers Thandiswa and Simphiwe Dana.

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Music: World: Africa

Series tracing the roots of African music, featuring some of the continent's major artists

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The African Rock 'n' Roll Years

Episode 2: South Africa: Songs of Freedom

Genres

Series

BBC Four

About BBC Four