-Written by Kyle Bain.
Swaziland is one of the smallest countries in Africa, home to roughly 1.2 million people. Among those people are Dusty & Stones, a country music duo with dreams to make it big. In order to achieve those goals they travel to Texas, determined to win a battle of the bands contest. This documentary, named after the duo, follows them on their journey.
This country duo has a brilliant sound, creating something familiar but authentic to them. That’s the key today, finding a niche place in music in which you can exist without stepping on the toes of others or further crowding an already saturated space. Dusty & Stones explores this interesting story, one that exists in a place of its own–but follows the relatively standard method of documentary making.
We start with our introduction, our slow entrance into the lives of the titular individuals, whose actual names are Gazi ‘Dusty’ Simelane and Lindokuhle ‘Stones’ Msibi. We get to meet them, understand where they’ve come from, and learn about where they’d ultimately like to head. There’s nothing unique about the storytelling method, and it ultimately exists in a space saturated by millions of other films just like it. I’m desperate for something different, yearning for something that can break the mold in this world of documentaries. A New Kind of Wilderness was a documentary that looked to be different, and it was. And as interesting as Dusty & Stones is, there isn’t enough here for it to be different other than the story itself.
So, I’ve mentioned that the story present in this documentary is something unique, and it is–but not altogether. There are elements that are different, but singers from a small town trying to make it big isn’t anything new–and that’s what Dusty & Stones is. I’m not belittling this journey whatsoever, but the fact of the matter is that I’ve seen it time and time again, both in documentaries and narratives.
What I found most enjoyable about Dusty & Stones was the fact that Director Jesse Rudoy takes us into the recording studio to see the live sessions of this country duo. Again, not new, but a nice touch that allows us even deeper into their world, able to better understand and appreciate them. Hearing the transition from live music being recorded to the recorded music itself is something truly wonderful–and the reactions of both Gazi and Lindokuhle are something that is nearly guaranteed to force an emotional response. Furthermore, the juxtaposing tones from raw to recorded music speaks to the journey that these two are on, and it provides a glimmer of hope that, regardless of what happens, things are moving forward–and for the better. In these moments we still aren’t sure whether or not this duo will make it big, though, or if they will make it at all for that matter. However, it’s clear to viewers that they have accomplished something so meaningful. It’s the symbolism present in the musical notes throughout that ultimately strengthens this film, makes it more accessible, enjoyable, and successful.
As Dusty & Stones moves forward into the competition section of the duo’s journey, we get to see multiple sides to their personalities. It’s so simple, but to showcase the truth–both the good and the bad while understanding the risks of showing the less-than-desirable aspects of Gazi and Lindokuhle’s personalities is a testament to Rudoy’s love and respect for filmmaking.
Again, Dusty & Stones doesn’t necessarily break the mold, it doesn’t tell a story all too unique–but it does manage to showcase it in a way that feels original. I was often captivated by these characters, by their music, by the passion present throughout the course of the film. This film is a win for documentary filmmaking, a true gem in the world of cinema.
Directed by Jesse Rudoy.
Starring Gazi ‘Dusty’ Simelane, Lindokuhle ‘Stones’ Msibi, Mdumseni Vilakati, Vusani Simelane, Sinenkhosi Mamba, Mzwandile Mbingo, etc.
8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
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