"Sugar Man" a legend in South Africa

Sometimes when the sky is grey, your hands are cold and you can scarsely see anything even in the daylight, you stumble upon a rolling stone of hope that brightens yours heart and gives hope in humanity. The documentary "Searching for Sugar Man" made by Malik Bendjelloul is one of those stones.

The documentary traces the search for Sixto Ruiz Rodriguez, a musician from Detroit, Michigan who recorded two albums in the early 70s' that did not sell in the US. He was then thought dead. Rumors had it that he got suicide and burned himself up on stage. What is astonishing is that Sixto Rodriguez unexpectedly shone the limelight in South Africa and Australia where his songs were listenened by hundred thousand people. Legend has it that his album Cold Fact was brought into the country by a woman from the United States who came to visit her boyfriend in South Africa. What is more fascinating is that Rodriguez did not know he was a star there. His music company Sussex did not seem to have told him anything or gave him any fee. No one knew much about him. He remained a character shrouded in mystery and rumors but people were touched by his lyrics which gave them hope and courage to fight for freedom during the Apartheid times as people did not believe they have the right to speak up against the government. Rodriguez's music became an anthem of protest for South Africans. If you have the opportunity to see this documentary, do so. It is an extraordinary story.

Here are some amazing photos of Rodriguez.