Apartheid Is Nazism

Alpha Blondy's song "Apartheid Is Nazism" is a powerful protest anthem that draws a direct parallel between the apartheid system in South Africa and the atrocities committed by the Nazis during World War II. The song's repetitive and urgent plea to America to "break the neck of this apartheid" underscores the artist's frustration and desperation for international intervention. By invoking America's name repeatedly, Blondy is calling on one of the world's most powerful nations to take a stand against the systemic racial segregation and oppression in South Africa.

The lyrics explicitly compare apartheid to Nazism, labeling it as a form of extreme and violent racism. This comparison is not just a rhetorical device but a stark reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the moral imperative to prevent such atrocities from happening again. By referencing the years 1939-1945, Blondy reminds listeners of the Nazi war in Europe, drawing a historical parallel to the contemporary struggle in South Africa in 1985. This historical context serves to highlight the ongoing nature of racial oppression and the need for global solidarity in the fight against it.

Blondy also addresses the moral and ethical dimensions of apartheid, particularly the violence against children. The repeated line, "You don't have the right to shoot the children," emphasizes the innocence of the victims and the inhumanity of the apartheid regime. The song's message is clear: racial equality is a fundamental human right, and the international community, especially powerful nations like America, has a responsibility to act against such injustices. Through his impassioned lyrics, Alpha Blondy not only condemns apartheid but also calls for a united effort to dismantle it, advocating for a world where black and white people are treated equally.