1985 Artists Against Apartheid Concert

Definition

The 1985 Artists Against Apartheid Concert was a significant musical event aimed at raising awareness and opposing the apartheid regime in South Africa. It showcased various artists who performed to promote solidarity and support for the anti-apartheid movement, emphasizing the role of music as a form of protest against racial oppression. The concert was part of a larger cultural boycott of South Africa, which sought to use art and music as tools for social change and to apply pressure on the apartheid government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concert took place on July 2, 1985, at Wembley Stadium in London and featured prominent artists such as Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and Peter Gabriel.
2. This event was organized by musicians who wanted to bring global attention to the human rights violations occurring under apartheid in South Africa.
3. The concert raised substantial funds that were directed towards organizations working against apartheid and supporting those affected by it.
4. The 1985 concert was part of a broader movement where artists used their platforms to speak out against injustice, showcasing music's potential for political activism.
5. This event also inspired future benefit concerts and collaborations, demonstrating how music can unite people across borders for a common cause.

Review Questions

• How did the 1985 Artists Against Apartheid Concert exemplify the use of music as a tool for social change?
  • The 1985 Artists Against Apartheid Concert illustrated how music can serve as a powerful vehicle for social change by uniting artists and audiences in opposition to injustice. Through performances by well-known musicians, the concert raised awareness about the atrocities of apartheid, fostering a sense of global solidarity. It demonstrated that music not only entertains but can also mobilize people to take action against systemic oppression.
• In what ways did the cultural boycott relate to the goals of the 1985 concert and its impact on the anti-apartheid movement?
  • The cultural boycott was integral to the goals of the 1985 concert as it sought to undermine the legitimacy of the apartheid regime by isolating it from international cultural exchange. By refusing to engage with South African institutions, artists aimed to apply pressure on the government while promoting awareness through events like this concert. The impact of these efforts contributed significantly to shifting public opinion worldwide and ultimately aided in the dismantling of apartheid.
• Evaluate the significance of global collaborations, like the 1985 Artists Against Apartheid Concert, in shaping public perceptions and influencing policy changes regarding apartheid.
  • Global collaborations such as the 1985 Artists Against Apartheid Concert were pivotal in shaping public perceptions about apartheid by bringing together influential artists from diverse backgrounds. These high-profile events helped humanize the struggle against racial oppression, encouraging audiences worldwide to support anti-apartheid initiatives. The collective voice of these artists not only amplified calls for policy changes but also galvanized grassroots movements, contributing to international pressure that ultimately led to the end of apartheid in South Africa.

Related terms

Apartheid: A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa that lasted from 1948 until the early 1990s.

Cultural Boycott: A strategy used by artists and activists to refuse to engage with or support a country’s cultural institutions as a form of protest against its policies, particularly in the context of apartheid.

Live Aid:

A series of benefit concerts held in 1985 aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, which coincided with the global anti-apartheid movement and illustrated music's power to mobilize for social causes.