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Under African Skies (2012)

Not Rated | | Documentary, Biography, History | 25 May 2012 (USA)
Under African Skies Poster
Trailer
2:27 | Trailer
Paul Simon returns to South Africa to explore the journey of his Graceland album, including the political backlash he received for allegedly breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime.

Director:

Joe Berlinger

Stars:

Paul Simon, Maya Angelou, Okeyrema Asante | See full cast & crew »
82
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Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 11 wins & 4 nominations. See more awards »

Videos

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Cast

Credited cast:
Paul Simon ... Self
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Maya Angelou ... Self
Okeyrema Asante Okeyrema Asante ... Self
Harry Belafonte ... Self
David Byrne ... Self
Tony Cedras Tony Cedras ... Self
Peter Gabriel ... Self
Philip Glass ... Self
Whoopi Goldberg ... Self
Roy Halee Roy Halee ... Self
Quincy Jones ... Self
Vusi Khumalo Vusi Khumalo ... Self
Bakithi Kumalo Bakithi Kumalo ... Self
Koloi Lebona Koloi Lebona ... Self
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Ladysmith Black Mambazo ... Self
See full cast »
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Storyline

Paul Simon returns to South Africa to explore the journey of his Graceland album, including the political backlash he received for allegedly breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime.

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

journey | See All (1) »

Genres:

Documentary | Biography | History | Music

Certificate:

Not Rated

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Connections

Featured in Imagine: Paul Simon's Graceland: Under African Skies (2012) See more »

User Reviews

 
About music, controversy and a different era
20 July 2012 | by lucia-thie – See all my reviews

Under African Skies rises above the standard music documentary to celebrate an iconic artist and/or album. In this case, it is set against the controversy about working with South African artists in a time when there was a UN cultural boycott against South Africa. What is shown in this documentary is how the iconic Graceland album (released in 1986) came about and most importantly: how the tracks were created. Defying and defending the free spirit of an artist, Paul Simon, who is above all a musician and not a politician, brought his fascination and respect for South African talented musicians (Ray Phiri, Ladysmith Black Mambazo) to the world via this album. Old footage is interspersed with newly shot material of Paul Simon's visit, 25 years since he first set foot in South Africa, and playing again with these same musicians. Warning: it is not possible to view this documentary without humming, singing and dancing along with the songs : )
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Details

Country:

USA | South Africa

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 May 2012 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

13 Notes: Paul Simon's Graceland Journey See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

RadicalMedia See more »
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Color
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