Sun City [Import]

Although I never liked the song "We Are the World," I fully supported the artists and rationale behind it. I didn't like that one because I felt the melody was maudlin and I didn't like the way it made me feel.

"Sun City" on the other hand is in-your-face politics and a rallying cry and banners being waved. It is a demand for the end of Apartheid in South Africa and a refusal to play venues that support Apartheid beliefs. Apartheid was notorious for the white-minority government, which was established in 1948. A myriad of talented artists including Little Steven, Ruben Blades, Bruce Springstein, Ringo Starr, Pete Townshend and many others poke their finger in the Apartheid eye with this in your face, militant anti-war and pro-humanitarian rights cry. This is a very serious, intense song that will make you want to dance as well! It will certainly arouse your social conscience!

The three versions of this wonderful song all stay true to the core melody. There are variations in the lyrics and one version alternates with verses of "we are the world," which I don't feel is as good as the other versions of this intensely stellar song.

Be sure to check out "No More Apartheid." Peter Gabriel's strong vocals ring out deep and pure and the message could not be made plainer. "Revolutionary Situation," is a musical montage replete with news clips; excerpts from songs and other revolutionary anthems. You can also hear police dogs barking, which brings to mind the Jim Crow southern United States during the Civil Rights era. "I am an Afrikaaner" brings home the message of terrorism and oppression under the Apartheid regime.

"Let Me See Your ID" is an outraged outcry agains the oppressive regime. Miles Davis' impressive trumpet playing underscores just how serious a matter this really is.

"Silver & Gold" is a hard, cutting edge piece about mining in South Africa at the expense of people. Bono lends his voice to this one along with Rolling Stones Keith Richards & Ron Wood. You can hear and feel the anger, so palpable in this song as to gain a better understanding of the issues this is about.

Sun City was more specific and more focused in its effort to call attention to social ills and injustices. Other efforts, such as Live Aid, Band Aid and USA For Africa as well as Farm Aid were much more global. Sun City is the demand for the release of Nelson Mandela and the UN boycott of South Africa.

In 1990, Mandela was finally released from prison and became President of South Africa, the first black person to hold this office. (Kind of reminds you of 1989, when Lech Walesa, a shipyard worker who was jailed in the 1980s for his direct involvement in Solidarity and the push for reforms on the shipyards; in the factories and in government. On June 4, 1989, Lech Walesa proudly voted in a free Polish Election, the first held since the end of WWII and was elected as leader of Poland)!

Music does have power to change the world. Go out there and listen to this one and it will certainly motivate you!