Gimme Hope Jo'anna

Infobox Single
Name = Gimme Hope Jo'anna


Cover size =
Border =
Caption =
Artist = Eddy Grant
Album = File Under Rock
A-side =
B-side = "Say Hello to Fidel"
Released = Start date|1988
Format = 7", 12"
Recorded = Blue Wave Studios, Saint Philip, Barbados
Genre = Reggae
Length = 3:47
Label = Parlophone, EMI
Writer = Eddy Grant
Producer = Eddy Grant
Audio sample? =
Certification =
Last single = "Boys in the Street" (1984)
This single = "Gimme Hope Jo'anna"
(1988)
Next single = "Harmless Piece of Fun" (1988)
Misc =

"Gimme Hope Jo'anna" is a song originally by Eddy Grant, a well-known anti-apartheid reggae anthem from the 1980s, during apartheid in South Africa. The song was banned by the South African government when it was released. It reached #7 in the UK Singles Chart, becoming his first Top 10 hit for more than five years.

Lyrics

"Jo'anna" in the lyrics represents not only the city of Johannesburg, but also the South African Apartheid Government. Soweto is a black township near Johannesburg. The apartheid army was well-known for "sneaking across the neighbours' borders" to fight in other countries. The archbishop is Desmond Tutu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his opposition to apartheid.

"She's got supporters in high up places, Who turn their heads to the city sun" represents the unwillingness of the international community, at first, to take action against the South African government for using the Apartheid system. It is also a reference to Sun City, the South African luxury resort. "She even knows how to swing opinion, In every magazine and the journals" represents the propaganda which the media contributed which attributed to the success of the Apartheid system.

Cover versions

A cover was recorded by the South African Band, Dr. Victor and the Rasta Rebels. Turkish group Dolapdere Big Gang included a cover of the song for their 2007 album "Just Feel".

While not a cover, this song was modified for a Yop commercial.

Track listings

; 7" single
# "Gimme Hope Jo'Anna" — 3:47
# "Say Hello to Fidel" — 4:41 ; 12" maxi
# "Gimme Hope Jo'Anna"
# "Say Hello to Fidel"
# "Living on the Frontline" (live version)

Certifications

References

External links

* [http://www.scouting.org.za/songs/southafrican.html South Campfire Song Book] - includes lyrics