The Ancestors

Synopsis

John Kitime, a Tanzanian musician in his 60s, seeks to revive Zilipendwa music by assembling an all-star band from the past. He reconnects with key figures from Tanzania's music scene, many of whom played significant roles during the struggle for independence and the early years of Julius K. Nyerere's presidency. As Kitime digitizes reel-to-reel tapes from the 1960s and 1970s, he uncovers a rich history of music that united a nation during its formative years.