Benn loxo listener, Scott, has a guest post for us today. Listen past the initial 80s synth to hear interesting, politicised lyrics and melody that he describes below:

“The song “Weeping” has an interesting history, both in itself and in how I found it. The song first came to my attention as sung by Vusi Mahlasela, about whom Matt has posted before. He sang a chilling, inspired version of the song with the backing of the Soweto String Quartet on his 1994 album Silang Mabele (it’s also included on his 2003 US-released compilation The Voice / Ilivi Lebantfu). Vusi calls it a song of reconciliation, a song critical of the architecture of apartheid with lyrics written by a white South African who served as a conscripted soldier. You can read the song’s lyrics here.

I thought the music was by Vusi until this year, when the Soweto Gospel Choir included the song on their new album Blessed, and I discovered that the song was originally done by the South African rock group Bright Blue in 1987. You’ll notice that the song includes the melody of “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika,” the Black South African anthem, which has since been incorporated into the new official national anthem, but back in 1987 anyone performing it was courting arrest.

Such a history, and a song that brings a shiver to the spine. By the way, Bright Blue drummer Peter Cohen is now with the delightful South African pop band Freshlyground.”

Thanks, Scott, for the music and background. Let this be a reminder to others that guest posts are always welcome!

Bright Blue – Weeping