Watch On Tiptoe: Gentle Steps to Freedom

On Tiptoe: Gentle Steps to Freedom is a documentary film from 2000 that explores the role of music in the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa. The film features the renowned South African musical group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, led by Joseph Shabalala, and their collaborations with American musician Paul Simon. The title of the film, "On Tiptoe," refers to the cautious steps that were necessary in the fight against apartheid. As one interviewee in the film states, "We have always had to walk on tiptoe, because at any moment the oppressor could strike us down." The film looks at the ways in which music and culture were used to resist and subvert apartheid, and how this resistance eventually contributed to the overthrow of the apartheid regime.

The film opens with a sweeping view of the South African landscape, as Ladysmith Black Mambazo's signature harmonies fill the soundtrack. We then see Joseph Shabalala, the group's leader, reflecting on the importance of music in his life, and in the lives of his fellow South Africans. He explains that singing and dancing have always been integral to the traditions and customs of the Zulu people, and that these traditions became an even more crucial means of expression during the years of apartheid.

We then see archival footage of anti-apartheid protests and police brutality, interspersed with interviews with activists and artists who were involved in the struggle. They discuss how music and culture were used to resist apartheid, with many musicians and dancers using their art to express their frustration and anger with the system. For example, we see footage of the South African musical group Juluka, led by Johnny Clegg, performing their song "African Sky Blue," which was banned by the apartheid government for its political content.

The film then turns to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and their collaboration with Paul Simon on the iconic 1986 album Graceland. The album was controversial at the time, as many South Africans saw it as a violation of the cultural boycott against their country. However, the film suggests that Simon's interest in South African music and culture helped to bring attention to the struggle against apartheid, and to elevate the voices of South African artists.

We see footage of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Paul Simon performing together, as well as interviews with the members of the group about their experiences during this time. They explain that they were hesitant about working with Simon at first, but that they came to see the collaboration as an opportunity to share their music and culture with a global audience. They also discuss how difficult it was to for them to perform in South Africa during apartheid, and how they often had to sneak into venues to avoid detection by the authorities.

Throughout the film, we hear Ladysmith Black Mambazo's music, both in live performances and in studio recordings. Their harmonies are breathtaking, and their songs are filled with the history, culture, and struggles of their people. The film suggests that music was not only a means of resistance against apartheid, but also a way to preserve and celebrate South African traditions and culture.

On Tiptoe: Gentle Steps to Freedom is a moving and inspiring documentary that celebrates the power of music and culture in the face of oppression. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, creativity and resilience can help to light the way forward. The film is a testament to the bravery and perseverance of the South African people during their long struggle for freedom, and to the transformative potential of art to shape the course of history.