Mark Lawrie's Music Videos

A collection of music videos that I had the privilege to write, direct and edit for these amazingly talented South African Musicians.

Most of these were made during latter days of apartheid and in many instances were intentionally written so that the video stories distracted from the real meaning of the lyrics in order that the SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation, then, the only outlet for SA music) play these songs over the national airwaves. Eg: Yvonne Chaka Ckaka's 'I Cry for Freedom' depicts a woman seeking liberation from an abusive partner as opposed to the perceived clarion call for liberation from apartheid. Chico's 'We Miss You Manelo' tells a story of a pregnant teen kicked out of her home. The lyrics clearly say "We miss you Mandela where are you". These were all played extensively over TV and radio.

Others are just an interpretation of the songs.