Eddy Grant - Gimme Hope Jo Anna 1988

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[sherwynsingh]

We listened to this in South Africa as non-white South Africans. We danced to it, we stomped our feet in the dust, in the dancehalls. We felt it in our hearts that the tides would turn, soon. Within a year the talks were on the news and in Feb 1990, Mandela was out of prison and the ANC was unbanned. Viva! Madiba! Viva!

[WTG]

This song was played at the end of rugby game today between South Africa and New Zealand. How could anyone back then imagine that one day, 30 years later, South Africans would sing and dance together to this iconic anti apartheid song. Tears can be turned into dancing!

[henrysaizofficial]

The power of a good beat + catchy vocals..He knew this was the best way to spread his message. Amazing!

[DuchalvanWyngaard]

I'm a South African, I grew up with this song. I haven't heard it for such a long time. Electric Avenue by Eddy Grant is the only song you still hear on radio, sometimes. Thanks for a bit nostalgia. 🇿🇦

[vinaymulukutla]

''I wanna know if you're blind Jo Anna
If you wanna hear the sound of drum
Can't you see that the tide is turning oh
Don't make me wait till' the morning come''

Those words always send chills up and down my spine in regards to what this song was trying to tell the world. These sentiments are true for all of us no matter what we live with.

[samithindunil]

In 2023, still listening and feel still there are black soweto mothers worrying about their sons and yet Johanna to give them the hope😢

[rasputinu]

This song is probably the most powerful and rousing and not only speaks for South Africa but anywhere oppression and segregation takes place today.

[pauliusgecas]

Somehow I've never realized the lyrics. The song just sounds so joyful you don't even think it could be about such a serious matter. Now when I know it is an even more outstanding work of art!

[musicmouse]

I heard this song yesterday in the Supermarket in Italy, after lots of It brought immediately nice memories from my youth back to my mind. Then I realized that I never knew what the song was really about.... well here I am. Thanks everybody for all explainations ❤ thanks Eddie Grant for this powerful song .

[neilbrenno]

Beautiful song of peace ❤ from an indigenous brother from Australia 🦘😘♥️

[capitaosagres]

Hearing this song as a kid who didn't care for the lyrics of any song and to hear it now and actually pay attention to what this song is about was a complete 360. It's a song about suffering, bravery and honor. I salute those who lost so much during the reign of the european countries, mine included. The african continent is not a playground. I can only be thankful that during the war to keep the portuguese colonies my grandfathers were on the right side of the fight. I'm grateful that my family morals have always been based on seeing every human as human, no matter who they are

[WanderingVincent]

"She even knows how to swing opinion
In every magazine and the journals
For every bad move that this Jo'anna makes
They got a good explanation"

That line is sadly so true today for many in the world

[sherwinkariem]

Even the preacher that works for Jesus.... The Archbishop is a peaceful man.... Rest well Desmond Tutu.

[Pipemonkey]

I’ve said it before, this is one of the most underrated but seriously talented men out there, people just need to open their ears and listen. Thanks Eddie

[marlygomesalmeida]

I'am brazilian and love African Continent!! Love From San Paulo Brazil South America!! God Bless Africa!! 🙏🙏🤝🤝❤❤❤Beautiful song

[maartenlaarhoven]

Can you relate?
*Accidentally realizes true meaning of this song, reads up on South African history for hours, because of it*

[AmbersKnight]

What I love about this song is that it is a pointed and serious message about the horrors of Apartheid and yet by clothing it in an upbeat and catchy tune it will grab the attention of more people, and it did.

[christinedavey]

I woke up this morning with this song in my head. Kept wondering why it was in my head. Played it over and over again. Catchy song

[dusanhinic]

National anthem of Africa..Respect from Serbia

[Strathclydegamer]

I was a young teenager when Electric Avenue was used for a TV advert, I loved it and asked my Mum about the song. That weekend she took me to buy albums, a big mix of different stuff she thought I might like. Of course one of those CD’s was Eddy’s. The journey home was the first time I heard “Gimme Hope Jo’anna”. I was too young to know about apartheid, this song made me read up about it. This song had a huge impact on me at a young age. Hearing someone in an upbeat song longing for hope, not for himself but for a nation, made me very aware of how we treat each other over perceived differences.

To take such a brutally, disgustingly unfair topic and explain it in such a brilliant, upbeat way… Eddy Grant is a legend. Absolute legend.