Nothing shocked the political left in the 1960s as much as the brutal murder of Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba. He was the symbolic figure for the liberation of the African continent from European colonialism. While the USA and Belgium were still secretly planning Lumumba’s elimination, the US State Department sent jazz greats such as Nina Simone and Louis Armstrong to the Congo - a tactical diversion?
SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP D’ETAT is a testimony to this perfidious coup. Visually and musically designed in the style of the iconic Blue Note jazz label, Johan Grimonprez’s film draws viewers into the maelstrom of the Cold War and the political power games between Europe and the USA. After extensive research, unpublished interviews, speeches by Lumumba, and musical performances by Miles Davies, Miriam Makeba and many others were woven into a gripping narrative.
The film won numerous awards at international festivals and was nominated for “Best Documentary” at the 2025 Oscars.
