The Winds of Change by Various Artists
Nearly 15 years have passed since South Africa rose from the oppression of apartheid to become a democratic country. Winds of Change is a unique collection of South African music and extracts from significant political speeches that charts the journey to freedom from the struggle days right through to eventual democracy.
Through folk songs, freedom songs, tribute songs and narrative, the special story of the nation of South Africa unfolds, revealing the massive role of music as a means of protest and survival. All songs chosen for this collection speak of the miraculous journey to democracy either with their words or by symbolising a specific era. This collection traces the incredible journey of a nation that defied all expectations; our Mzansi.
Winds of Change is the musical discography of the South African story, touching on the horrors of apartheid, and later the unbanning of the ANC, and the beginning of a free society.
Heartfelt songs such as Amampondo's State of Emergency, Johnny Clegg's unforgettably impressive Asimbonanga, Stimela's Whispers in the Deep, Johannes Kerkorrel's Halala Afrika, Hugh Masekela's Bring him back home, Skeem's Waar Was Jy and Sibongile Khumalo's Sabela are all included on this iconic album.
Between the songs you'll hear excerpts of various iconic speeches such as Mandela's Rivonia Trial speech, PW Botha's Total Onslaught speech, FW de Klerk's unbanning speech and Mandela's inauguration speech.
This album highlights how crazy things were in SA and how far we have come; to see South Africans - regardless of race - singing Nkosi Sikheli I'Africa or Shosholoza at sport events is still a goosebump affair.
You could spend a very meaningful hour simply reading through the booklet that comes with this album; it contains all the speech excerpts as well as lyrics and detailed informative descriptions of the context of each song, accompanied by significant photographs of some of the moments.
This is an album that deserves your full listening attention; it is rich and provides touching insight into the trials, tribulations and triumphs that were - and still are - a part of the lives of so many of us.
"The creative use of music has captured the agony and the ecstasy of the birthing a nation," says Andre Abrahamse, producer of Winds of Change for African Cream Music.
Winds of Change is an album that should be in your collection; simply as a reminder of where we came from and where we're going.
Check out the 'where to buy' tab above to buy the album online or to find out about music store details.
You can listen to a track off this album right now in our JukeBox, or download another featured track and keep it on your computer, mobile phone or iPod, compliments of African Cream Music in association with CapeTownMagazine.com.
