Under African Skies (Joe Berlinger,2011):USA/South Africa

Reviewed by Charles Starr Viewed at Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Under African Skies, is the story behind the recording and creation of Paul Simons legendary and controversial album Graceland, arguably his greatest solo sucess. And his journey to reunite with the musicians whom he recorded the album with some 27 years ago. The music and talent in the film is unforgettable.

In 1985 Simons career was in an uncertain place, following a disappointing public response to Hearts and Bones,  Simon was intrigued by a South African band (The Boyoyo Boys) he was listing to at the time. Long story short ended up flying to South Africa to record with the band.

Coming at a time when there was a cultural boycott imposed by the rest of the world against the apartheid regime in South Africa. Paul Simon faced local and national, ridicule for going against the cultural boycott, forbidding artists, and performers to visit South Africa. Simon maintains that it was for the best, if nothing else raising awareness for the cause and to show the world the beauty and culture of South African music, not to mention the symbolism of white and black musicians playing together.

The film focused on the relationship between Simon and the musicians.  He compared his return to South Africa to a “family reunion” seeing some of the artists for the first time since the original recording almost 30 years ago. The interviews and classic footage are woven together seamlessly, with the new. All the artists seem to pick up right where they left off. The chemistry between them is incredible. At times communicating with one another through there instruments, without a word spoken, after close to 30 years…simply amazing. One of the touching moments was when Simon was able to bring a group of the original artist to New York for an appearance on Saturday Night Live.

Not just an entertaining film for the music lover, but a small history lesson and a look into the mind and talent, of one of contemperary musics greatest artists. Simons ability to cross racial boundries and bring two groups of people from two very different worlds together, is a fantastic feat. To do it all with the common love of music, is great example of how true talent and the want to create a great pice or art, stand the test of time. It is as relevant today as it was nearly three decades ago.