The role of music in South Africa's freedom: Claire Johnston

Today, 27 April, is a very special day for Mzansi. It has been exactly 30 years since the first post-apartheid democratic elections were held in South Africa, and the entire nation is celebrating. The history of how music played a huge role all through the years of apartheid is something we all will never forget. One of which is popular band, Mango Groove. They produced a string of hits over the last four decades such as 'Special Star', 'Dance Some More' and 'Hellfire'. Near the end of the apartheid era, Mango Groove and Juluka were the only major South African music groups with both black and white band-members. As we celebrate Freedom Day, let us walk you through the role of music in South African freedom and we're joined by lead vocalist of Mango Groove, Claire Johnston.
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[@elulugnie4250]

My goodness, she hasn't aged one BIT. So wonderful to see her. Mango Groove had us by the throat in the 90s. I have fond memories shouting "Special Star" at the top of my lungs in high school. Seeing a multiracial group play such great music was healing for us for sure.

[@NoneNoneNonesence]

You know, when I was growing up in EP there were young guys who used to come and played music for us in our streets the band usually consisted of 3 guys with a wooden tea chest with a stick and a rope pulled tight that was the bass, an empty paraffin tin with a piece of wood attached somehow, a whole in the centre and 4 wire strings (I think) maybe more, and another player with a penny whistle. The band absolutely rocked me. I went inside and found my fathers best pair of shoes and his dress suit (I knew that my father would never wear them again, we were poor, hardly had food, no need for fancy stuff) and gave them to the guys. They were only about 10 or 11, same as me, well I never thought I would live to tell this story, I got such a hiding, but those guys came back every week and played for us kids. Qwela. That was in 1959, and the music still lives in my soul. Just another white kid.