Freedom Sounds 2010 - Episode 1

As the World Cup brings the attention of the world on South Africa this summer, trumpeter Hugh Masekela returns to Radio 2 to revisit the story of the musical liberation of South Africa, and explore the role of music in the freedom struggle of his home country. This four-part series incorporates material originally broadcast on Radio 2 back in 2004, to mark the tenth anniversary of free elections in South Africa, and brings the story up-do-date with preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The first episode features Miriam Makeba, The Manhattan Brothers' Joe Mogotsi, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and The Mahotella Queens' Hilda Tloubatla. Over the series, Hugh introduces some of the unique styles and voices of South Africa and looks at the effect that apartheid had on South African musicians, as well as the response of international musicians. We also hear what South Africa sounds like in 2010, with some of the artists selected to play at the World Cup opening ceremony. Other programming in Radio 2's World Cup Season includes Never Write Off The Germans, a comedy panel show hosted by Christian O'Connell; Steve Van Zandt remembers the international protest and Artists Against Apartheid in the documentary Sun City; Barnsley FC's resident poet Ian McMillan celebrates the rich history of British terrace chants in Sing When You're Winning; and John Inverdale takes listeners back to 1970, when Labour were kicked out of power, shortly after the England squad were disappointed in their defence of the World Cup.