From the Congo to Harlem and back again, Johan Grimonprez’s dynamic and urgent documentary explores the politics of decolonization through the lens of jazz. It features impressive archival clips, historical context presented via Blue Note album covers, and musical performances by jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Nina Simone, who served as cultural ambassadors to Africa in the 1960s.
Director Johan Grimonprez explores the connection between African politics and American jazz in his film, “Soundtrack to a Coup d’État.” This engaging documentary looks at the political events surrounding the 1961 assassination of Congo’s leader, Patrice Lumumba. The film includes eyewitness accounts, official memos, statements from mercenaries and CIA operatives, speeches from Lumumba, and a range of jazz icons. It examines colonial history and presents a crucial story that is still relevant in today’s world.
