Paul Simon (half of Simon and Garfunkel; Carrie Fisher’s ex) released Graceland (Simon’s comeback album; #81 of the 500 Greatest Albums of all Time as selected by Rolling Stone) in 1985 (a year). It was a huge deal. It won the Grammy for Album of the Year, sold millions of copies, and was the first ‘World Music’ album to be a crossover hit. You probably remember it for that awesome ‘You Can Call Me Al’ Chevy Chase video clip.
You might also remember it because it was steeped in controversy. Graceland was recorded in South Africa, featuring many local musicians which resulted in a stunning fusion of American and African musical styles including pop, a cappella, isicathamiya, rock, and mbaqanga. The controversy was that this allegedly defied the cultural boycott set in place to pressure the end of South Africa apartheid. Anti-apartheid rage was at fever pitch and protests against Simon were held across South Africa and across the world as Simon toured.
Simon maintains, however, that he did nothing wrong. According to Simon and his supporters, the album showcased the talents of the black South African musicians while offering no support to the South African government. Simon claims Harry Belafonte and Quincy Jones (both were figures of the anti-apartheid movement) helped set up the trip. Further, his Graceland tour can be credited for providing real opportunities for Black South Africans and a global audience for Black South African music. It certainly resurrected the careers of Masekela and Makeba and launched the careers of several others such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Tony Cedras and Bakiti Khumalo.
To mark the 25th anniversary of Graceland, Paul Simon toured South Africa once again. A new doco that follows Simon on this tour, Under African Skies, just premiered at Sundance. It looks back at the scandal and examines whether those old rifts have healed. Check out the trailer below.
* For a really indepth look at the social and political ramifications of Graceland check out this frikking thesis. Cliff notes, it says ultimately Graceland was good for Black South Africa.
** A Facebook campaign entitled ‘Paul Simon: Playing in Israel is Supporting Apartheid’ has been waged.
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