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Actor's Bold Radio Act Defied Apartheid
10 Jul
Summary
- Actor played Bob Marley's banned song, Survival.
- Thousands danced and cheered to the music.
- The broadcast occurred during apartheid in South Africa.
Actor Tim Reid shared an extraordinary personal story about his experience in apartheid-era South Africa. While visiting the country in Spring 1981, Reid was invited to a festival. As part of his appearance, he decided to play Bob Marley's song "Survival" over the radio waves.
This particular song was controversial and had been partially censored by South African authorities due to its strong message of African solidarity. Reid explained that hearing Black people singing about survival was precisely what the apartheid regime did not want.
Upon playing the track, an estimated 5,000 people, both Black and white, reacted with immense joy. Reid described the scene as euphoric, with the crowd screaming and dancing to the music, creating a powerful moment of unity and defiance.
