While there’s a lot to like about “Soul Power,” a lively documentary about the three-day musical event that was to complement the Foreman-Ali fight in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1974, it’s missing context and depth that would have made it truly memorable. Zaire ’74, financed by a group of Liberian investors and authorized by the Zairean dictator Mobutu, went on as scheduled even though the Rumble in the Jungle was pushed back six weeks. The performers include James Brown Celia Cruz, B. B. King, Miriam Makeba, the Spinners and Bill Withers. And when they are on stage, it’s sheer pleasure. A recurring figure mixed in with concert preparations is Ali, witty as ever, running his mouth, expounding on colonialism, slavery and, of course, self-promotion.
Director Jeffrey Levy-Hinte’s decision to create a chronological survey of the three days using only actual footage seems like a missed opportunity. Additional analysis would have provided a greater understanding of the exuberance expressed by the African-American performers. Nor does Levy-Hinte provide any context about Mobutu and his iron-fisted rule, making the performers’ optimism seem ironic in retrospect. And it might have helped if he had explained why there was a three-decade delay between the concert and the appearance of the film. See “Soul Power” for the music, not for an insight into popular culture. 7/10/09
1 comment:
African American people have many heroes in their culture, the most prominent are musicians and athletes. After watching "Soul Power" I could see how they idolized James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul" and Mohamed Ali the world renown athlete. When James Brown entertained he gave it everything he had and he stood head and shoulders above the others, even BB King who was also an idol of sort, just as when Ali boxed he gave it everything and was, perhaps, the greatest of all time.
I enjoyed watching the two cultures, African and American, join forces and find common ground while entertaining. I could also see how the Latin music came directly from Africa with their drums and the beat of the music and the Africans seemed to love it all. I give it a 3 1/2 bagger out of a possible 5 (popcorn).
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