Sun City: Artists United Against Apartheid (Video 1986)

A protest organization of rock musicians musically declare their boycott of a major South African resort and the making of that video is discussed.

Director:

Steve Lawrence

Stars:

Via Afrika, Iqbal Akhund, Tina B.

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Via Afrika	...	Themselves
Iqbal Akhund	...	Himself - Asst. Secretary General (as Iqbai Akhund)
Tina B.	...	Herself
Afrika Bambaataa	...	Himself
Ray Barretto	...	Himself
Stiv Bators	...	Himself (as Stiv Bator)
Pat Benatar	...	Herself
Big Youth	...	Himself
Rubén Blades	...	Himself (as Ruben Blades)
Kurtis Blow	...	Himself
Bono	...	Himself
Duke Bootee	...	Himself
Jackson Browne	...	Himself
Ron Carter	...	Himself
Clarence Clemons	...	Himself

Storyline

In this music video, the musician members of the protest organization, Artists Against Apartheid, announce in song their refusal to perform at the major South African resort, Sun City, while that country's tyrannically racist policy of Apartheid is in effect. In addition, the making of this video and the main political motivations of the participants is also depicted and discussed.

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Plot Keywords:

protest | apartheid | musician | rock musician | boycott | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Music

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood New York International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

51 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Features Donahue (1970)

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Soundtracks

"Sun City"
Written by Steven Van Zandt
Performed by Artists United Against Apartheid

User Reviews

!!! SPOILERS !!! Great message, intimate footage, laughable 80's time-capsule

Most who lived in the 80's remember the song of the same title however, few saw the video. I'm sure that many of the artists featured have looked back & said to themselves, "GOD, what the hell was i wearing/saying when they recorded that?!". The admirable efforts of producers Arthur Baker & Little Steven (of East Street Band fame) to get hordes of celebrity musicians together in one place at the same time comes across as a 1st year high school student's editing project. This is mostly because the footage used is from so many different sources (recording sessions/music video shoots/stock footage/etc.) & the whole thing is glossed over with a healthy helping of 80's cheese. WARNING! if you are at all allergic to pastel colours or bright flashing neon, avoid this video ! The highlight for me was seeing Miles Davis in a studio session, he was apparently living at his summer-home on Pluto at the time. Not only does he get a compliment from Bonnie Raitt, (who is obviously uncomfortable w/ his intoxication) he records his vocals while CHEWING GUM ! Other highlights, for me were RUN DMC, Herbie Hancock, Fat Boys, Bono (sporting a ridiculous mullet!), Kurtis BLOW, Afrika Bambaataa, & Jackson Browne (all cholo'ed out!). A classic 80's time-capsule.