Soul Power

In 1974, at the peak of their talents and careers, some of the most celebrated American Rhythm & Blues and soul acts of the time, including James Brown, B. B. King, Bill Withers and The Spinners, traveled to Kinshasa. They came together in Zaire’s capital with the most renowned musical groups in Southern Africa, such as Miriam Makeba and Afrisa for a three-day long concert. Most of the American performers, emboldened by the African-American liberation movement, were visiting Africa for the first time, and they let themselves be inspired by their African roots.