Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat 2024
Directed by
Johan Grimonprez
Made by
Warboys Films
Plot Summary
On a fateful February morning in 1961, the esteemed singer Abbey Lincoln along with renowned drummer Max Roach audaciously storm the UN Security Council to voice their outrage over the brutal assassination of prime minister Patrice Lumumba, who was leading the newly independent Congo. The scene erupts into chaos as sixty fervent protesters unleash their anger, throwing punches and slamming their stilettos, igniting a confrontation with bewildered guards while diplomats watch in astonishment. This climactic moment encapsulates the dizzying upheaval of decolonization, filling the atmosphere with a tumult of hope and despair.
Fast forward six months earlier, when sixteen newly liberated African nations earn their rightful place in the United Nations, setting off a political earthquake that drastically alters the balance of power and dismantles the old colonial regimes. During this turbulent period of the Cold War, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev creates a memorable scene at the UN General Assembly, emphatically banging his shoe on his desk to express his outrage over the unfolding neo-colonial exploits in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With a passionate outrage, he publicly condemns America’s racial injustices and the UN’s collusion in Lumumba’s downfall, clamoring for an immediate global decolonization.
In a bid to maintain access to the vast wealth of the territories formerly known as the Belgian Congo, King Baudouin of Belgium finds a compliant ally in the administration of Dwight D. Eisenhower, alarmed by the potential loss of crucial resources, particularly Uranium—a critical element for producing atomic weaponry. The Congo emerges as the epicenter of both the Cold War and the high-stakes maneuvering for control over the UN. The US State Department springs into action by dispatching jazz icon Louis Armstrong to charmingly win over the hearts of the African populace.
Unwittingly, Armstrong becomes a diversionary tactic, distractingly pulling attention away from the impending coup that will lead to the assassination of Lumumba, Congo’s first democratically elected leader. Meanwhile, the influential voice of Malcolm X passionately advocates for Lumumba’s vision of a United States of Africa, skillfully reframing the narrative of African Americans’ struggle not merely as a quest for civil rights but as a fight for universal human rights, determined to bring this cause before the UN.
As celebrated jazz ambassadors perform blissfully unaware in the shadows of covert CIA operations, jazz luminaries like Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Melba Liston are confronted with a profound moral quandary: how to symbolize a nation where segregation remains the law of the land.
This poignant amalgamation of jazz and decolonization unfolds in this often-overlooked chapter of Cold War history, showcasing how the greatest musicians graced the political arena while marginalized leaders became unintended vocal champions of their causes. The narrative of the subversion of African self-determination is eloquently articulated through the perspectives of celebrated activists such as Andrée Blouin, an advocate for women’s rights in the Central African Republic, the fiery Irish diplomat and provocateur Conor Cruise O’Brien, the insightful Belgian-Congolese writer In Koli Jean Bofane, and the fervent Nikita Khrushchev himself.
Timeline
Assassination of Patrice Lumumba
In January 1961, the brutal assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the first democratically elected prime minister of the newly independent Congo, sends shockwaves across the globe. Lumumba's death is a critical turning point, igniting political outrage and prompting significant protests against neo-colonialism.
Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach at the UN
On a fateful February morning in 1961, singer Abbey Lincoln and drummer Max Roach storm the UN Security Council to voice their indignation over Lumumba's assassination. Their bold action reflects the passion of many who felt betrayed by the global power dynamics that allowed such violence to occur.
Protests Erupt
As Abbey and Max express their outrage, a group of sixty fervent protesters gathers, escalating the scene into chaos. They clash with bewildered guards while diplomats look on in astonishment, symbolizing the intense struggles of decolonization during that tumultuous era.
Newly Independent African Nations
In late 1960, sixteen newly liberated African nations join the United Nations, marking a significant upheaval in the global political landscape. This inclusion signifies a shifting balance of power and the dismantling of colonial regimes, fueling the aspirations of various liberation movements.
Khrushchev's Shoe-Banging Incident
Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev creates a memorable scene at the UN General Assembly when he bangs his shoe on his desk in protest. This act of defiance highlights his condemnation of Western neo-colonial exploits in Africa, particularly in the Congo, and calls attention to America's racial injustices.
King Baudouin’s Alliance with Eisenhower
King Baudouin of Belgium seeks to maintain access to the wealth of the former Belgian Congo, finding support within Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration. The U.S. government, alarmed by the potential loss of crucial resources like uranium, plays a significant role in the unfolding events in the Congo.
US State Department’s Strategy
In a strategic move, the US State Department sends jazz icon Louis Armstrong to charm and win over the hearts of the African populace. However, unbeknownst to him, this mission serves as a diversion to distract from the forthcoming coup against Lumumba.
The Impending Coup
While Armstrong's music fills the air, a coup is orchestrated that will lead to Lumumba's assassination. This manipulation illustrates the lengths to which foreign powers will go to secure their interests in Africa during the Cold War, often at the cost of local governance.
Malcolm X Advocates for Africa
Amidst this turmoil, Malcolm X passionately advocates for Lumumba's vision of a 'United States of Africa.' He reframes the African American struggle for civil rights as a quest for universal human rights, elevating the dialogue around decolonization and self-determination.
Jazz and Politics Intersect
Prominent jazz musicians like Nina Simone and Miles Davis perform during a time of deep political unrest, torn between their art and the harsh realities of segregation. They grapple with the moral implications of their celebrity status in a society that continues to undermine equality.
Activists Voice Their Concerns
As the jazz scene flourishes, activists such as Andrée Blouin and Conor Cruise O'Brien voice their concerns regarding neo-colonialism and the plight of the Congolese people. Their efforts highlight the critical intersection of art and advocacy in the ongoing fight for justice.
Khrushchev's Continued Pressure
Khrushchev remains a vocal advocate for decolonization, emphasizing its necessity to the international community. His persistent pressure on the UN to support African nations showcases the geopolitical complexity of the Cold War and its impact on African self-determination.
Legacy of the Events
The events surrounding Lumumba's assassination and the protests at the UN reverberate through history, impacting future liberation movements. The intertwining of jazz, art, and political activism serves as a poignant reminder of culture's powerful role in social change.
Characters
Nikita Khrushchev
Nikita Khrushchev is portrayed as a passionate advocate for decolonization, using his platform at the UN to condemn imperialist actions and racial injustices. His vigorous persona and dramatic gestures, such as banging his shoe on a desk, signify his determination to raise awareness about the plight of nations fighting for independence. Khrushchev's character embodies the fervor of Soviet leaders during the Cold War, as he positions himself as a champion for the oppressed.
Malcolm X
Malcolm X emerges as a compelling figure advocating for a unified Africa, skillfully expressing the struggles of African Americans in a broader context of human rights. His articulate and passionate speeches resonate with those seeking justice, positioning him as a transformative leader. Malcolm's character reflects the connection between the civil rights movement in the United States and the decolonization movements in Africa, showcasing his commitment to universal equality.
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong is depicted as a charismatic jazz ambassador, whose seemingly innocent performances become a tool of distraction for political machinations. While his music unites and entertains, he remains unaware of the complexities and tragedies unfolding in the background. Armstrong's presence represents the intersection of art and politics, showcasing how cultural figures inadvertently influence history.
Setting
Time period
1961, Cold War Era
The year 1961 was marked by heightened tensions during the Cold War, a time characterized by ideological conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States. This period also saw a wave of decolonization across Africa, as nations sought independence from colonial rule. Political assassinations, such as that of Patrice Lumumba, underscored the turbulent struggle for self-determination.
Location
Congo, United Nations Headquarters, Belgium
The Congo, known for its rich biodiversity and vast mineral resources, became a focal point of political tension during its decolonization. The United Nations Headquarters in New York is where significant global discussions take place, making it an arena for international diplomacy. Belgium, once a colonial power over the Congo, played a crucial role in the events surrounding its independence.
Themes
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Decolonization
The theme of decolonization plays a central role in the film, showcasing the struggles of newly independent nations grappling with the consequences of colonial rule. The assassination of Patrice Lumumba symbolizes the violent pushback against independence movements, as powerful interests aimed to maintain control over these nations. This theme resonates with the broader context of global power dynamics during the Cold War.
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Music as Resistance
Music serves as a powerful tool for expression and resistance in the film, particularly through jazz, which reflects the emotional landscape of the time. Jazz icons like Louis Armstrong and Nina Simone contribute to the narrative, highlighting the intersection of art and activism. Their music acts as a voice for marginalized communities, advocating for civil and human rights.
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Global Politics
The film delves into the complexities of global politics, illustrating how different nations influenced the fate of the Congo. It highlights the entangled relationships between world leaders and the impact of interventions, such as those seen in the actions of Eisenhower and Khrushchev. This theme underscores the significance of international relations during a critical turning point in history.
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