Watch Punk in Africa

Punk in Africa is a documentary-style film that explores the punk rock movement in several African countries. The movie is set in the 1970s and 80s, a time when punk rock was exploding in the UK and the US. However, this movement was not limited to these regions alone. In fact, many musicians in African countries were also embracing punk as a form of protest and rebellion against oppressive regimes.

The film begins by introducing some of the key players in the African punk scene. We meet Paulo Chibanga, a musician from Mozambique who started playing punk in the early 80s. We also meet Michael Fleck and Ivan Kadey, two South African musicians who were a part of the punk scene in Johannesburg.

The movie then delves into the political and social conditions in Africa at the time. Much of the continent was ruled by authoritarian governments that suppressed free speech and independent thought. This meant that musicians who played punk rock were often targeted by the authorities. They were seen as troublemakers who were encouraging young people to rebel against the state.

Despite this, the punk scene thrived in several African countries. Bands like National Wake, Wild Youth, and Power Age played concerts in Johannesburg and other cities. These bands were influenced by the punk rockers in the UK and the US, but they also drew inspiration from their own cultures and experiences.

One of the most interesting parts of the movie is when we see footage of punk concerts in African countries. The energy and passion of the crowds is incredible, and it's clear that punk rock was more than just music for these people. It was a way of expressing their defiance and their desire for change.

The film also looks at the role that radio played in spreading punk music in Africa. Stations like Radio Freedom, which was run by the African National Congress in South Africa, played punk tracks alongside anti-apartheid propaganda. This helped to popularize punk rock among young people who were disillusioned with the status quo.

As the movie progresses, we see how the punk scene in Africa evolved over time. In the 90s and 2000s, the movement began to lose momentum as new genres of music emerged. However, many of the musicians who played punk in the 80s continued to create music and inspire young people.

Overall, Punk in Africa is a fascinating look at a little-explored aspect of the punk rock movement. The movie does an excellent job of capturing the energy and spirit of the musicians and fans who participated in the African punk scene. It's also a reminder that punk rock is more than just a style of music - it's a social and political movement that has inspired people all over the world.

Punk in Africa is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.