'The outside world is black and white
With only one colour dead'
These lines are pure genius.

This alternative version is great. The cover by Simple Minds is very interesting too (on their 1989 album Street Fighting Years).

The remix of Biko is mostly re-recorded with new vocals by Peter.

A record that could only be written by a genius. From the record to the sleeve, Gabriel's motifs are quite clear - a shout against totalitarian brutality and injustice; the brutal death of the South African martyr as directed by the Apartheid authorities didn't go unnoticed and this song is a clear reminder of the ultimate sadness and gruesome politics. While eternally condemning the (now-declined) racist regime of South Africa, 'Biko' still echoes this frustrating state of being, as the world today continues to stumble upon greed, power and corruption, causing righteousness to perish further into oblivion.

Despite the menacing drumming and accompanying chants that mercilessly fight against prejudice during the song, there is still space left for optimism. A tiny air of hope. Gabriel sings with suppressed sadness - but everytime he stands towards the glorifying bagpipes arrangement, breaking down into 'Yihla Moja, Yihla Moja - The man is dead', he unleashes the moment of shedding an honest tear. 'Shosholoza' is understandably a conceptual part to the main track, while the German-titled 'Jetzt Kommt Die Flut' addresses rage against Apartheid's monstruous act of Biko's dismissal.

'Biko' is a truly thought-provoking piece - a hit that condemns pop-music as form of entertainment. The 12" version needs no specific introduction - like the original album version, this one is a fight-against adventure all of its own, extended and more confrontational towards racist violence.

A shocking collage on the rear cover of the single, juxtaposing severe burns on Biko's body with everyday leisure life, serves the warning purpose alone - but once you hear the music contents, it certainly won't make you indifferent - but politically aware. World, are you listening?