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U.S. Cultural Imperialism (Rastas in SA)

By Dr. Steven Robins
7 February 1996

Steve Gordon is still in Cape Town and involved in organizing music concerts - he recently was involved in bringing out Ismael Lo, Manu Dibango, Salif Kaita etc.

Talking about cultural (non)events - did anyone see the tacky relaunch of the new SABC? It seems like we're heading for yet another period of domination by North American cultural artists - the multi-million rand Hollywood extravagannza was compered by Felecia Mabuza-Suttle and three African-American TV "showmen" - where were our own artists, are they being sidelined so that third rate American TV artists can dominate our fledgling new cultural landscape? I'm seriously thinking of getting rid of my TV set. I'd much rather see the musicians that Steve Gordon has been bringing to SA than have to listen to Stevie Wonder screeching out a song dedicated to Mandela!!

Dr Steven Robins
email : slrlance@uctvms.uct.ac.za