Paul Simon's Graceland and its social and political statements on apartheid in South Africa.

Abstract

Paul Simon's Graceland album is one of the most controversial rock-and-roll albums in history because of its strong connection with South Africa during the apartheid. Simon's interest in South African music led him to record the album, which became a collaboration between South African popular music and American rock-and-roll music. Through the album, Simon makes a social statement, but because of the political issues within South Africa during the release of Graceland, many believe the album also makes a political statement. Graceland not only makes the strong social statement Simon intended, but also provides an important political statement on apartheid in South Africa.