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.

African Cream Music

African Cream Music is a South African record company that was established in 2001 with the aim of sharing the best African music with the world. They showcase some of the most talented musicians, artists and producers on the African continent.

The Start of the African Cream

After working in property development for many years, founder and CEO Alex Agulnik decided that creating a record label that celebrated African music was the best way to follow his passion. While involved with Digital Cupboard, the biggest Internet site in Africa at the time, Agulnik realised there was a huge international thirst for music from the African continent - and it needed to be quenched. And so, African Cream Music was born.

The Artists & Compilations

African Cream Music, through its acclaimed compilations, continuously strives to showcase top quality music, whether from established legends or promising youngsters. Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambaza, Johnny Clegg, Miriam Makeba and The Mohatella Queens, Papa Wemba, Salif Keita, Oliver Mtukudzi, Angelique Kidjo and Cesaria Evoria are just a few of the renowned musical icons who are featured alongside hot new talents like Malaika, Mafikizolo, Simphiwe Dana, Brickz and Zola to name but a few. Producers include acclaimed veterans of the music scene like Thapelo Khomo, Wendy Oldfield and Andre Abrahamse. African artists signed to the label include mbube masters Amaryoni, afro-fusion stars Khumbula, Namibian reggae artist Ras Sheehama, the multi-lingual Latino from Mozambique and kwaito talent Choppa.

African Cream Music′s CD Series

The popular Trip series is a collection of stunning tracks from Africa. The Great South African Trip Volume 1 & 2 feature the latest and the greatest musicians and hits, while The Great East African Trip, The Great Pan African Trip and The Essential South African Trip are all atmospheric expressions of the rhythms of Africa. The Great North African Trip and The Great West African Trip are in the pipeline.

The Afronsoniq series offers contemporary cutting-edge sounds: expect lounge, funk and groove with a definite African edge in albums such as Ambient Afrique and The African Lounge Experience from producers such as Afronauts and Mpemba Effect. Award-winningThapelo Khomo produced The African Groove Experience by "Spha" Bembe.

The Mother Africa series includes riveting albums like Healing Sounds from Mother Africa by iconic musician Pops Mohamed, Gospel from Mother Africa, Marimbas from Mother Africa and Voices from Mother Africa.

The Jazz series boasts an eclectic collection of jazz greats and original standards from the masters: check out A cappella group Amaryoni′s Marabi Moments, for example.

The Drum Series includes African Drum Masters, Drummers from Mother Africa and Marimbas from Mother Africa, which all resonate deeply with the heartbeats of Africa.

African Cream Kidz, launched in 2006, is a popular series of albums containing children′s stories, songs and lullabies. Under African Skies with songs by Wendy Oldfield, Lullabies from Mother Africa, Singalong Kidz and Goodnight Songs from Tina Schouw are all part of the African Cream Kidz series.

African Cream′s music is sold and distributed all over the world including Africa, Europe and America as well as in hotels, tourist destinations and lounge bars. Click on the Where To Buy tab for more information.

More about African Cream Music

Address: 160 Eloff Street Extension, Village Deep, Johannesburg

Simply place your order with the African Cream Music online shop and buy your MP3's or the full CDs online!

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