Punk in Africa

Three chords, three countries, one revolution . Punk in Africa  documents the untold story of the multi-racial punk movement triggered by the political and social upheavals in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe during Apartheid. In these societies, the punk subculture represented a genuinely radical political impulse, playing out against a backdrop of intense political struggle, economic hardship and even civil war. The legacy continues today, as an emerging generation of bands use their music to confront contemporary political challenges and uncertain identity issues.

On Tuesday, February 26, KPCC hosted  Grand Performances  to present the L.A. debut of the film, followed by a discussion investigating the role race played in how the music was created and received by audiences during this potent political time. Was the illegality, the peril of inter-racial gatherings bringing a sharper edge to the music that was made during that time? A panel of musicians, including Ivan Kady (rhythm guitar, National Wake) and  Jefe Brown (Producer of  Punk in Africa ), invited audience members to share in the conversation.  Steve Hochman (KPCC contributer, Los Angeles Times regular) moderates.

  Watch the Trailer

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Punk in Africa was directed by Keith Jones and Deon Maas and runs 82 minutes.