Apartheid Is Nazism
Alpha Blondy · 1985
44 min · 9 tracks · reggae
A vibrant fusion of reggae rhythms and politically charged lyrics that resonate with the struggles of oppressed communities.
Top tracks — play these first
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Apartheid Is Nazism — The title track powerfully confronts racial injustice and draws stark comparisons between apartheid policies and Nazi ideologies, showcasing Blondy's role as a political commentator.
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Jah Houphouet — This song pays homage to Ivorian President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, blending personal reverence with broader themes of leadership and governance in post-colonial Africa.
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Come Back Jesus — With its spiritual undertones, this track reflects on themes of hope and redemption amidst social turmoil, representing Blondy's ability to merge faith with activism.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's vibrant rhythms and politically charged lyrics create a distinctive reggae experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong rhythmic pulse in 'Afriki', setting a vibrant tone that continues through the first half.
- Tracks feature layered instrumentation, with prominent use of horns and percussion that enhance the reggae feel.
- The lyrics are delivered in a call-and-response style, engaging listeners and emphasizing the political messages throughout.
- The final track, 'Djinamory', slows down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- politically charged anthems for activism
- urgent rhythms for social change
- uplifting energy for communal gatherings
- reflective moments amidst vibrant beats
Maybe skip if you
- seeking mellow background music
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1985, Alpha Blondy had established himself as a prominent voice in reggae music, following his breakthrough debut album 'Cocody Rock' in 1984. 'Apartheid Is Nazism' marked his second studio album, further solidifying his commitment to social justice themes, especially regarding African unity and anti-colonial sentiment.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Burning Spear· Steel Pulse· Toots and the Maytals
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Apartheid Is Nazism
The chorus repeatedly invokes the stark contrast between freedom and oppression while emphasizing solidarity among those fighting against injustice.
The repetition here serves to unite listeners under a common cause, making the political message both urgent and accessible.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Afriki 5:07
- 2 Jah Houphouet 5:25
- 3 Apartheid Is Nazism 4:48
- 4 Idjidja 5:01
- 5 Sahel 4:10
- 6 Sebe Allah Y'e 4:46
- 7 Kiti 5:17
- 8 Come Back Jesus 5:34
- 9 Djinamory 4:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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