Best South African music movies

Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) (2024)

In 1994, Whitney Houston took the stage in Durban, South Africa, making her the first major Western musician to visit the newly unified, post-apartheid nation following President Nelson Mandela’s winning election. This performance was more than a concert; it was a celebration of freedom, hope, and unity. Whitney’s powerhouse voice and emotional delivery brought joy and inspiration to a country newly liberated. Now, 30 years after the historic visit, The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) comes to the big screen for the first time. Digitally remastered in 4K and featuring newly-enhanced audio, the film captures every note, every cheer, every tear, immortalizing a night that transcended music and became a beacon of change and celebration.

Afrikaans is Groot 2019 (2020)

The Eight "Afrikaans is Groot" concert. It is an annual concert where some of the biggest Afrikaans artist perform

OneRepublic - Live in South Africa (2018)

The concert film includes live performances of ‘Counting Stars,’ ‘Apologize’ and ‘If I Lose Myself,’ as well as an intimate, all-access documentary of OneRepublic’s journey from struggling musicians to multi-platinum award-winning artists.

Afrikaans is Groot 2014 (2014)

The third "Afrikaans is Groot" concert. It is an annual concert where some of the biggest Afrikaans artist perform

U2 PopMart: Live From Johannesburg (1998)

U2 perform the final show of their PopMart Tour in Johannesburg, South Africa via SABC 3 (March 21, 1998). SETLIST: Pop Muzik | Mofo | I Will Follow | Gone | Even Better Then Real Thing | Last Night On Earth | Until The End Of The World | New Year's Day | Pride (In The Name Of Love) | I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For | Stand By Me | All I Want Is You | Staring At The Sun | Sunday Bloody Sunday | Bullet The Blue Sky | Please | Where The Streets Have No Name | Lemon (Mix) | Discotheque (We Are Family) | If You Wear That Velvet Dress | With Or Without You | Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me | Mysterious Ways | Bonus Encore Not Included on unofficial DVD release [Original SABC Broadcast Only]: One | "40" (Orig. SA TV Runtime: 130 Mins.; DVD Runtime: 85 Mins.)

She Is King (2017)

A talented young woman from a rural village travels to the "Big City" of Johannesburg, South Africa to become a Star. She lands a role in a musical play about Zulu Queen Mkabayi, Shaka's Aunt and searches for her identity as a Performer, a Zulu, a Woman and a Daughter. Will she be able to keep up with her more seasoned fellow performers, avoid the jealous machinations of the aging leading lady and survive the punishing rehearsal schedule to make it to opening night and shine like the star she is? "She is King" is a joyous celebration of Zulu culture in a glossy contemporary setting, showing off Joburg as the "Broadway of Africa".

Song of Africa (1952)

fantasy tale about a young Zulu who leaves his village to go to the city, falls in love with the new music he hears there, and returns home to form a Zulu jazz band. The South African production and distribution company African Films followed up the success of Zonk! with Song of Africa. This is a fantasy tale about a young Zulu who leaves his village to go to the city, falls in love with the new music he hears there, and returns home to form a Zulu jazz band – which then goes to the city to compete with other bands, and comes out on top. As in the earlier films, the impact of American jazz and popular music is enormous. Like African Jim and Zonk!, Song of Africa draws on the best talent from the townships. Director Emil Nofal and director of photography Dave Millin ensure high production values, making it an above-average B-movie.

Afrikaans is Groot 2016 (2016)

The fifth "Afrikaans is Groot" concert. It is an annual concert where some of the biggest Afrikaans artist perform

The Devil & the Song (1989)

Lindie (1971)

A girl finds out her loving father is having an affair with his secretary and is devastated.

Kimberley Jim (1963)

A ramblin', gamblin', guitar-strummin' man from Dixie tries to strike it rich in the Kimberley diamond rush in 1880s South Africa.

Hear my song (1967)

After a car accident, singing surgeon Dr Dawid Retief learns he will be blind within two years, while his daughter is paralyzed. In order to raise money for Marietjie's treatment in the United States Retief starts doing concerts.

Africa Shakes (1966)

A musical drama shot in black-and-white to lend an air of gritty realism, Africa Shakes follows British rock group, The Couriers, on a concert tour of South Africa.

The Pennywhistle Blues (1951)

In a black township in South Africa, a stolen treasure chest passes from hand to hand until it is finally returned to its original owner.