Under African Skies

Considered by many to be one of the greatest albums ever produced and certainly among the most influential, Paul Simon’s Graceland is in a category unto itself. What many might not know or remember is just how controversial the album was at the time it was made. In spite of its groundbreaking success in the melding of American and South African musical styles, Graceland generated intense political debate. Before going to South Africa, Simon was warned by Harry Belafonte to clear his visit with the African National Congress but chose not to listen. A price was paid when he came under fire from antiapartheid activists, who accused him of violating the United Nations’ cultural boycott of South Africa. For the 25th anniversary of Graceland’s release, Simon returns to South Africa for a reunion concert that not only relates the album’s tumultuous beginnings, but also revels in the artistic collaborations so integral to its creation. It is absolutely thrilling to watch how these songs were assembled and the studio footage makes it clear how much he drew upon his hired musicians’ creativity. Veteran documentary filmmaker Joe Berlinger’s Under African Skies is a celebratory account of a great artistic achievement as well as an insightful reflection on the boundaries of art and politics.