Watch Beat the Drum

Beat the Drum is a heart-warming 2003 South African drama film directed by David Hickson. The film stars Junior Singo, Owen Sejake, Mary Twala and a cast of other talented actors. The story of the film pivots around an 8-year-old orphan boy named Musa (Junior Singo), who after losing his family to AIDS, sets out on a journey to find his uncle in Johannesburg, with nothing but his late father’s drum.

Musa’s adventure is quite an unusual one, considering the huge leap he has to take from his quiet rural village in KwaZulu-Natal, to the turbulent and complex world of Johannesburg city. This was made even more daunting with the onset of thunderstorms, followed by devastating rains that delayed his journey. Musa finds himself stranded in unfamiliar territories as more than ever, he becomes aware of the harsh realities and the precariousness of life too early.

In his journey, he meets various strangers, some of whom help him, some who potentially could rob him of his father’s drum. He eventually meets a kindly astronomer named Will (Owen Sejake), and an elderly woman named Auntie Rose (Mary Twala), who offer him a helping hand. Through Will and Auntie Rose, Musa is exposed to an urban medical clinic that is grappling with the HIV-AIDS epidemic, and sees firsthand the impact of the disease on South Africa.

The film highlights the struggles of the people of South Africa in the face of HIV-AIDS, and how the epidemic had turned families against each other. In the case of Musa, he was orphaned by the disease, and in his travels, he is frequently met with the harsh reality of what the pandemic has done to his country. He witnesses the stigma surrounding the illness and the contradictory policies of the South African government.

Throughout the movie, there are themes of hope, friendship, and resilience, as Musa manages to cross the divide into adulthood through his journey. He learns how to fend for himself, navigate difficult situations, and stay focused on his destination. This drive is propelled by his desire to reunite with his family again, and the hope that his father’s drum will remain the symbol of the past tragedy that befell him.

The film is exceptionally well-crafted, with visually stunning cinematography, and a superbly executed soundtrack that draws on the rich rhythms of African music. Filmed in locations across South Africa, Beat the Drum is a celebration of the country’s culture and beauty, and acknowledges the heavy toll that HIV-AIDS has taken on her people.

One of the notable strengths of the film is the performances across the board by the cast, especially Junior Singo. The young actor gives an exceptional performance, portraying the character of Musa with a sense of innocence, curiosity, and resilience that is truly heartwarming. Owen Sejake and Mary Twala provide strong support as his guides and mentors, lending a sense of depth and humanity to their roles.

In conclusion, Beat the Drum is a touching story of a young boy’s journey, highlighting the struggles of the people of South Africa as they battle against the HIV-AIDS epidemic, and the resilience and hope of the human spirit. It is a must-watch for fans of great films, African cinema, and anyone looking for a heartwarming and moving story.

Beat the Drum is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.