Buy the CD, but be certain to see the film.

At a time in his life when most people are trying to figure out what is best for themselves, Lee Hirsch gave up everything to go to South Africa and begin documenting its music. Ten years later, the result of his efforst, "Amandla: Revolution in Four-Part Harmony," is a brilliant portrayal of the strength and courage of the resistance against Apartheid. Though some may find the notion romantic and unbelievable, rather than using bombs or guns to win the freedom and equality they longed for, they overcame their oppressors through song.
I was lucky enough to attend the Hollywood premiere of the documentary in February of 2003, and hear Mr. Hirsch describe the process of making the film. The thing that has stayed with me the most was shared by the executive producer, Sheila Nevins. She said that in her search to put score to scenes of horrific violence and oppression, she could find no "sad" music. All the music they heard was filled with hope, and most of all--joy. This, more than anything, represents the music on the soundtrack CD. While the soundtrack is extremely moving (Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrica brought me near tears), I would urge a person unfamiliar with the names on the CD to first view the movie; the songs take on a life of their own once the stories behind them are told.

Emotional Music

I got this album as a birthday present, and my mother heard it for the first time when we were roadtripping back home from school in the summertime. When "When You Come Back" started playing, she began to cry in reaction to the music. The soundtrack grabs you by the hand, and runs wherever it may go, before it climaxes at "Usi Letela Uxdolo." An all around amazing disc, that makes me wish I had been old enough to do something "for the cause" before Mandela was freed.

See the DVD, then get the CD

If you've seen the great film Amandla! or have bought the DVD, do that before buying this CD. The CD is beautiful on its own, but since it is lacking in liner notes and translations, the DVD helps to put everything into context and enhances one's enjoyment of this music. My favorites here include "Sad Times Bad Times" from Miriam Makeba's 1959 musical play "King Kong" (I wish this soundtrack was available on CD in its entirety), the South African National Anthem, and the utterly beautuful and breathtaking "Untold Story." Anyone who hears that song after seeing it in the original film with dry eyes is someone with a serious lack of emotion! Enjoy!