Sun City

The song 'Sun City' by Artists United Against Apartheid is a powerful anthem of protest against the apartheid regime in South Africa. Released in 1985, the song features a collective of musicians who came together to voice their opposition to the racial segregation and human rights abuses occurring in South Africa at the time. The title 'Sun City' refers to a luxury resort in South Africa that was a popular venue for international artists, despite the country's oppressive policies. By declaring 'I ain't gonna play Sun City,' the artists are making a bold statement of solidarity with the oppressed and a refusal to support the apartheid regime through their performances.

The lyrics of 'Sun City' are direct and unflinching in their critique of the injustices in South Africa. Lines like 'Relocation to phony homelands, separation of families I can't understand' and '23 million can't vote because they're black' highlight the brutal realities of apartheid. The song also criticizes the complacency and ineffective policies of Western governments, particularly the United States under Ronald Reagan, whose 'constructive engagement' approach is dismissed as a 'joke.' The repeated refrain 'I ain't gonna play Sun City' serves as a rallying cry, urging other artists and the global community to take a stand against apartheid.

The song's collaborative nature, featuring rockers and rappers united in a common cause, underscores the power of music as a tool for social change. By refusing to perform at Sun City, these artists used their influence to draw international attention to the plight of South Africans and to pressure the apartheid regime. 'Sun City' is not just a song; it's a call to action, a demand for justice, and a testament to the role of art in the fight for human rights.