Does Music Unite?

Does Music Unite?

This afternoon, I'm off to a live music gig 'Hard Rock Calling' at Hyde Park in London, where Paul Simon will be headlining and playing music from his seminal album "Graceland".

It's an album I've loved since my Dad first played it for me in the late 80's, but I never appreciated - until recently - just how much controversy surrounded the project.  The album was originally inspired by Simon listening to a recording of an instrumental track named "Gumboots" by the Boyoyo Boys.  Whilst you may be forgiven for thinking the "Boyoyo Boys" were a Welsh group, they were indeed South African.  Simon later wrote lyrics to the tune "Gumboots", which was recorded as a song for the album. 

Much of the "Graceland" album was recorded in apartheid South Africa and featured many South African musicians and groups, but this caused much International controversy as Simon was accused of breaking a 'cultural boycott' imposed by the United Nations against the apartheid regime of South Africa.  UN resolution 35/206 stated: "The United Nations General Assembly request all states to prevent all cultural, academic, sporting and other exchanges with South Africa. Appeals to writers, artists, musicians and other personalities to boycott South Africa..."

Many of Simon's musical peers criticised his actions and debate has raged on over the last 25 years with some black South African musicians also criticising Simon's actions.  Simon had not sought to argue his case or gain permission from the ANC and there was some resentment amongst it's members that it had taken a white man to discover and popularise the black South African music on a world stage.  Whilst I can sympathise with the argument, and perhaps it's easier for me to make this statement as a white man, I firmly believe a "just cause" is a "just cause" no matter what your colour, background, creed etc.  If Simon had the means - through his own popularity - and previous musical collaborations to promote black South African musicians on a world stage, then why not?  Why should it have been solely the preserve of the black man to liberate and promote harmony?  When it comes to breaking down barriers and eradicating oppression it requires advocates from within the oppressive ranks to understand, educate, and create truly lasting change.  Clearly not all white men, even all those within South Africa, were guilty of creating such oppression and segregation, but it existed at the hands of white men, so I can understand those ANC members who opposed Simon's actions, but this could have been viewed as an opportunity for black musicians to showcase their music and promote their message to a much broader global audience that wouldn't have been feasible had Simon not taken this decision.  Yet despite all the furore, Simon's intentions were never Political and he has often been quoted as being "For the Artists".  His will to create a new sound and collaborate with South African musicians drove him on despite the criticism and lack of unity within South Africa and beyond.  The album has since sold over 14 million copies and Simon himself believes the album and tour did much towards raising the awareness of the evils of apartheid that helped end apartheid in the 1990's.

Music, like sport, is a way and means to cross cultural divides and break down barriers.  Remaining with the theme of South Africa, the 1995 Rugby Union World Cup seemed to unite South Africa beyond all expectation and many would feel was well timed given the recent end to apartheid but on-going social tensions.  The Springboks triumphed and lifted the Webb Ellis Cup during those finals and it seemed to herald the birth of the "Rainbow Nation", as captain Francois Pienaar accepted the trophy from the first post-aprtheid president, Nelson Mandela.  The story was sensationalised in the Hollywood film "Invictus", in which Morgan Freeman plays Nelson Mandela and joins forces with the Springboks white captain, Francois Pienaar played by Matt Damon.  It's an inspiring story that outlines President Mandela's deep understanding of the tensions remaining within his nation, racially and economically divided in spite of the eradication of apartheid.  Mandela was rightly convinced that he could unite his people through the universal language of sport, and that proved to be the case after the Springboks surprised everyone to overcome New Zealand in the final.  

London is one of the worlds truly multi-cultural cities and is probably - especially during an Olympic year - as good a place as any for Simon and his peers to revive "Graceland", a broad and eclectic mix of musical styles.  Despite our many backgrounds and cultural differences, there is nothing quite like the common languages of sport and music to unite and create harmony.  After all, life is about experiences and experiences are best when they are shared.  So, I for one, am looking forward to the live experience this afternoon with a multi-cultural mix of people in London's Hyde Park.  More often than not, Music does unite.