Restored 1971 Concert Film 'Soul to Soul' Captures Historic Ghana Independence Day Show
This exuberant and distinctively high-minded documentary, now meticulously restored, hails from the Oscar-winning though somewhat overlooked film-maker Denis Sanders. It was created just one year after his renowned 1970 film Elvis: That's the Way It Is, which focused on Elvis Presley in Las Vegas. Soul to Soul serves as a vibrant record of an epic independence day concert held in Accra, Ghana, in 1971, featuring a powerful lineup of American and Ghanaian musicians.
Historic Context and Cultural Significance
Ghana was strategically chosen as the venue for this landmark event because it was the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence from Britain. The concert and film are deeply embedded in the American Black consciousness debate of the era, which fervently prized the concept of the African motherland and the spiritual importance of returning to the wellspring of Black American inspiration. Among the illustrious US contingent were iconic performers such as Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Santana, the Staple Singers, and the Voices of East Harlem.
Cinematic Style and Emotional Impact
With its evocative shots of the musicians aboard the plane to Ghana and the rich, teeming ambient material showcasing Accra's bustling street life, viewers might find themselves reminded of Leon Gast's When We Were Kings, which documented the Ali/Foreman fight in what was then Zaire, though Soul to Soul lacks the talking-head perspective. The film is celebrated for its richly enjoyable performances, with the extreme closeup shots of Tina Turner delivering some of its most visceral and electrifying moments.
Unity and Celebration Without Conflict
This is a film characterized by a broad celebratory unity, devoid of tension or debate. The onstage performances are thoughtfully interleaved with segments filmed out in the city streets, including poignant scenes such as a funeral with a sobbing widow. Additionally, there is a solemn visit to a slave castle and ruminations on Ghana's tragic connection with the slave trade, adding historical depth to the musical celebration.
Focus on Music, Community, and History
Notably, Soul to Soul eschews backstage scenes and interviews with performers waiting to go on. Instead, it remains steadfastly focused on the music, the sense of community, and the shared history between Africa and the African diaspora. The film offers a powerful testament to the enduring bonds and cultural exchanges that define this historic event.
Soul to Soul is set to return to UK cinemas starting 6 March, allowing a new generation to experience this joyous and historically significant concert film.
