Review of Paul Simon: Under African Skies (2012) by Josep P — 13 Aug 2012

I like the way the documentary juxtaposes an opponent of what Simon did, saying 'of course the poor black musicians wanted to work with a rich famous white guy' with one of the musicians saying 'I had never heard of him or any of his songs before.

' From watching their respect for Simon (they were impressed at how he joined straight in for the take of 'Under African Skies,' perfectly in tune and time) and the way an appearance on Saturday Night Live changed everything, this is a remarkable story.

Tambo's son can't quite bring himself to say Simon was right to make the album without the ANC's permission, but he almost does. I'd have loved to see him front up to some of the African musicians involved in the album, who were convinced it was right.

And then, Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba getting involved in touring the album even though they weren't on the recording. How could it have been wrong? Just four years later, Mandela was free.