“What makes South African people so special is that we sing, we dance, even when we are faced with death,” dancer, teacher, choreographer, director and scriptwriter Gregory Manqoma tells Apple Music. “The power of a collective in song and dance has made us so much stronger and unique.” For our celebration of South Africa’s 30 Years of Freedom, the celebrated entertainer curates a collection featuring music from Thandiswa, Mandoza, Amanda Black, Msaki, Samthing Soweto, Boom Shaka, Vicky Sampson, Mafikizolo and more. “These songs take us on a roller-coaster of emotions—the trials and tribulations of our beautiful country,” Manqoma explains. “Most of the songs signal hope and a desire for humanity to prevail. They are also songs that brought us together to sing along during difficult and happy times. They are about the trying times in our democracy, and how through song, we are able to collectively find healing, and [they] evoke memories that force us as a nation to fight for what is right. The artists carry the hopes of many South Africans and their love for this country beacons in the songs and voices. They did not only help us to cope with the insurmountable ordeals, but became the face of humanity to the world.” What’s his hope for SA’s next 30 years? “The future is in all of us to be the change we desire,” he asserts. “I hope the future generation can overcome the mistakes of the past and present, and design a life that is about regenerating the ultimate world they want to live in.”