Watch Drum

Drum is a 2004 South African biographical film that depicts the life of Henry Nxumalo, a journalist who fought against apartheid in the 1950s. The movie is directed by Zola Maseko and stars Taye Diggs, Gabriel Mann, and Tumisho Masha. The movie is set in Johannesburg in the 1950s, a time when South Africa was deeply divided by race. Henry Nxumalo, played by Taye Diggs, is a young black journalist who works for Drum magazine, a publication that is popular among Johannesburg's black community. Nxumalo is passionate about journalism and wants to use his talent to expose the injustices of apartheid.

As he investigates various stories, Nxumalo uncovers the brutal reality of life for black South Africans. He meets people who have been forcibly removed from their homes, families who have lost loved ones to police brutality, and workers who are exploited by white employers. Nxumalo's reporting puts him in danger, but he refuses to back down.

Meanwhile, the movie also follows the story of Ken Kingston, played by Gabriel Mann, a white journalist who works for the same magazine. Kingston is initially depicted as a liberal who believes in racial equality, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he has his own prejudices to confront.

Tumisho Masha plays Drum's photographer, who also becomes involved in the struggle against apartheid. Through his lens, he captures the violence and oppression that black South Africans face on a daily basis.

As Nxumalo's reporting gains traction, he attracts the attention of the apartheid government. He is accused of being a communist and is eventually arrested and tortured by the authorities. The movie depicts the brutal interrogation techniques used by the police to extract information from him.

Drum is a moving and powerful movie that highlights the bravery of journalists who risked their lives to expose the truth about apartheid. The performances by the cast are excellent, and the cinematography captures the vibrant and chaotic world of Johannesburg in the 1950s.

The movie also delves into the complex dynamics of race relations in South Africa. Though Drum is a black-owned publication, it also employs white journalists like Kingston, revealing the tensions that existed between black and white South Africans, even among those who were fighting against apartheid.

Overall, Drum is a must-see movie for anyone interested in the history of South Africa and the struggle against apartheid. The film tells a powerful story of courage and resilience, and is a testament to the importance of journalism in exposing injustice.