South Africa
'Fresh Air' remembers Archbishop Desmond Tutu
The South African leader was key to the anti-apartheid movement. He chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and preached forgiveness. Tutu died Dec. 26. Originally broadcast in '84 and '99.
'Summer Of Soul': South African Trumpeter Hugh Masekela
Masekela, who died in 2018, was a symbol of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement. He performed around the world, including at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Originally broadcast in 1988.
Filmmaker Finds An Unlikely Underwater Friend In 'My Octopus Teacher'
Craig Foster spent a year diving — without oxygen or a wetsuit — into the frigid sea near Cape Town, South Africa. His documentary is now nominated for an Oscar. Originally broadcast Oct. 20, 2020.
Charlize Theron Reflects On Growing Up In South Africa During The Apartheid Era
"This climate that we're in right now with our polarizing political views in this country, it was very similar in South Africa," the star of The Old Guard says. Originally broadcast Dec. 16, 2019.
Charlize Theron Portrays The 'Gray Area' Of Sexual Harassment In 'Bombshell'
Charlize Theron talks about preparing for her role as former Fox news host Megyn Kelly, and about growing up in South Africa during Apartheid.
Trevor Noah Says He Grew Up 'In The Shadow Of A Giant' (His Mom)
The host of the Emmy-nominated Daily Show revisits his childhood in apartheid-era South Africa in the memoir, Born a Crime. Originally broadcast Nov. 22, 2016.
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim Proves Himself A One-Man Movement On 'Ancient Africa'
The reissued album features the sound of the South African musician once known as Dollar Brand. Critic Kevin Whitehead says: "When Abdullah got a-rumbling, his piano was like a force of nature."
Trevor Noah Says He Grew Up 'In The Shadow Of A Giant' (His Mom)
The Daily Show host revisits his childhood in apartheid-era South Africa in his new memoir, Born a Crime. Originally broadcast Nov. 22, 2016.
'Fresh Air' Remembers South African Writer Nadine Gordimer
Nadine Gordimer has written about the agonies of apartheid in her novels and short stories. She died Sunday at the age of 90. In 1989, she spoke with Terry Gross during a visit to the U.S.
Before He Joined Congress, A South African Janitor's Disco Past
Penny Penny put down his broom and picked up a mic for his 1994 debut, now reissued.