Whether you’re a long-time fan of the late David Bowie or new to his dazzling place in music, you’ll want to tune in for a new documentary on his life. The critics are calling it “a masterpiece of music documentary” and it's premiering on the home of entertainment, M-Net (DStv channel 101). Viewers can catch Moonage Daydream on Thursday 3 August at 22:00.
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Brett Morgen is at the helm of this fascinating collage of archival footage, music, and animation, showing us Bowie’s early days as a mod rocker, as well as his later incarnation as The Thin White Duke. But Moonage Daydream is more than just a music documentary. It's a meditation on creativity, identity, and the human experience. Through Bowie's own words, the film explores the themes of transformation, self-expression, and the power of art to change the world.
If you’re a fan of well-made star biopics that transcend the documentary form, including the likes of Amy, Searching for Sugar Man, Cobain: Montage of Heck (also directed by Morgen), and What Happened, Miss Simone? you’ll want to tune in.
Did you know Bowie visited South Africa several times? Here are some lesser-known facts about Ziggy Stardust:
· Bowie was a vocal critic of apartheid. Part of his activism included performing at the Free Nelson Mandela concert in London in 1986.
· During a visit to South Africa in 1995 with his wife, model Iman Abdulmajid, the celebrity couple met with late icons Miriam Makeba and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
· Bowie was enthralled by Johannesburg, calling it “an urban nightmare – Blade Runner brutal in its hostile, teeming streets, and really exciting.”
· After his return, Bowie put on an exhibition of new South African artists titled 'Mayibuye i Africa'. It featured work by the likes of William Kentridge and Willie Bester.
· Bowie had several works by African artists in his R424.37-million collection, including work by Norman Catherine, David Koloane, Peter Bongani Shange, Percy Konqobe, and Penny Siopis.
Moonage Daydream will broadcast on M-Net (DStv channel 101) – The home of entertainment – at 22:00 on Thursday 3 August. You can also live-stream on DStv Stream and DStv Catch Up after broadcast. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.