Anthems of Democracy

One of my first memories of TV, is Gcina Mhlope reading children's stories, with some drawings. The stories were quite simple, but it was her storytelling that made it memorable. With Anthems of Democracy, her storytelling prowess was back in full force, melding together numerous languages in a flawless, enthusiastic performance that strung the disparate musical performances together.

In one of the introductions, Mhlope talked about the "blanket of song" that helped the nurture, grieve and celebrate the achievements and setbacks of the anti-apartheid movement. It was a disparate set of performers, who managed to blend in a strange mix of songs that were obviously about the apartheid struggle and others that were more personal, or more celebratory. 

For me, the highlight was Yvonne Chaka Chaka - her command of the stage, and her voice was simply amazing. But there were many more - Bright Blue's rendition of Weeping with the Soweto Gospel Choir was amazing; Sipho Hotstix Mabuse's energetic performance rolled back his years; and Joan Armatrading's soulful voice got everyone dancing in the aisles. 

It was a great evening - and although many more performers could have been added to the bill (Hugh Masekela and Johnny Clegg come to mind); it was a great show. And it was an appropriate celebration of 20 years of democracy in South Africa.