SOWETO BLUES

World Premiere

"As with all things African, there must be music."

For South Africans June 16, 1976 is a bit like our July 4, 1776-the one is the start of a revolution of native peoples against colonial oppressors; the other the official triumph of American independence from colonial powers. It would be another eighteen years-with hundreds of lives lost-until the first free democratic elections in South Africa.

SOWETO BLUES, named for Hugh Masekela's anthem to the youth movement most famously sung by Miriam Makeba, tells the story of the June 16 youth uprising that marked the official launch of a national struggle to overthrow Apartheid. The uprisings were lead by students; the day is now known as Youth Day in South Africa.

The Apartheid government kept tight controls on media access. One way in which the world became aware of the struggle was through music. Masekela's song Bring Him Back Home became a world-wide hit in 1987, raising global awareness about Nelson Mandela the political prisoner who would one day lead the nation.

SOWETO BLUES examines the struggle through the context of the musical artists who gave voice to it and raised awareness around the globe about the efforts to try and establish a free and democratic South Africa.

This film will be presented at a special free outdoor screening commemorating South African Youth Day.

-Patricia Finneran

DIRECTOR BIO
Faith Isiakpere worked internationally for many broadcasters including Channel 4, and as a Senior Producer for the British Broadcasting Coorporation (BBC). He is a life-member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), as well as other major television networks in both Europe and the US. He has produced and directed many documentaries, dramas, music videos, and has written a book on the UK band UB40.

Print Source:
Faith Isiakpere
Moments Entertainment Ltd.
72 Keurboom Street
Atholl, South Africa 2196
moments@icon.co.za
+27.11.884.0366

6/16 at 9:00 PM

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