This is National Wake

Overview

National Wake emerged in the late 1970s with anti-establishment ideals and a punk rock sound that won them a massive following within Johannesburg’s underground club scene. Their first and only record was banned by the country’s racist legal system and within a few years the group had disbanded. The two black members, brothers Punka and Gary Khoza, subsequently died tragically young. Eschewing talking heads for a dazzling audio-visual archive, including some great Super-8 footage, debut director Neff has forged a visceral portrait of a dissident group who were dedicated to the fight for racial freedom – a punk legacy that lives on through the band’s legend and its fans.

Cast

Gary Khoza

Self

Punka Khoza

Self

Ivan Kadey

Self

Steve Moni

Self

Mike Lebese

Self

Paul Giraud

Self

Jules Sandler

Self

Kelly Petlane

Self