For nearly five decades South Africa was isolated both internally with disenfranchised blacks living in separate quarters from whites under the apartheid system, and externally with many nations condemning the racial segregation. The United Nations enacted a cultural boycott on South Africa, urging artists from member states to avoid the country for the duration of the apartheid system. So it was a bit of a surprise when the UN lifted sanctions and the famed American musician Paul Simon took his act to Johannesburg.

On this day, January 11, in 1992 Paul Simon opened up his tour of South Africa with a concert in the nation’s capital. The thousands of mostly white fans packed into the stadium, while some of the disadvantaged blacks that were able to make it to Johannesburg protested against what they felt was a premature lifting of the ban.

Still, Simon was nothing if not inclusive. His concert featured the works of resident South African musician Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Miriam Makeba. For many in attendance, it was the first time they heard traditional South African music, or traditional South African musicians.