In 1980 Peter Gabriel released 'Biko', raising awareness of South Africa's apartheid regime. It's since become a human rights anthem across the world. Gabriel tells the story of its genesis and legacy.

In 1980, Peter Gabriel released the song "Biko," which raised awareness of South Africa's apartheid regime and has since become a human rights anthem worldwide. Gabriel performed the song during two tours organized by Amnesty International, and activists have credited hearing the song as a trigger for their careers. The song was released as a single, reaching #38 on the UK charts, with proceeds donated to the Black Consciousness Movement. Gabriel was inspired to create the song in response to the persecution of Bantu Stephen Biko, the national leader of the movement, who was killed in police custody. Gabriel was later invited to perform in Cape Town, South Africa, at a concert to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. Despite being dropped by his record label, Gabriel believes the song outgrew his expectations and remains relevant as a human rights anthem. [Extracted from the article]