Because if you listen, you can hear them cursing...

that coal train.

Last night my husband and I were privileged to spend the evening at a performance by Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela, great musicians and singers and freedom fighters against South African aparthartheid. It was wonderful to be able to be in the presence of such world class performers in the middle of the nation. We don't often get such acts to travel in from the coasts. If these men bring their talents to your area, take the time to attend.

My favorite performance of the night was "Stimela/Coal Train." I've linked to a performance of that song below, although it is not the one from last night. It doesn't quite capture the urgent crescendoing drum that could be felt through the seats recreating the sounds of an approaching steam engine or Hugh Masekela's vocalization of its shrill whistle in the theatre. It will let you close your eyes and be transported by that coal train across the plains of Africa and feel the press of contract workers as they board the train headed toward the mines.