The news that filmmaker Earle Sebastian had signed with Tangrine Films made us curious.

Just what was the man who has worked with numerous musicians, from the classic rock era to today, up to lately?

The answer is “Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland.” The documentary follows Grammy-winning singer Alicia Keys on a month-long trip to Africa, where she visits communities ravaged by HIV and AIDS. Her trip shines a spotlight on the great working being done by Keep A Child Alive, a non-profit organization.

"As a South African filmmaker, how can I not get involved with Alicia In Africa?" Sebastian said at the recent Philadelphia Film Festival. "The work that Alicia Keys and Keep A Child Alive are doing is of the utmost importance to me. Here in the west, people just don't get it. Its as simple as this: pretty much my whole generation has been wiped out by a treatable, preventable disease."

Sebastian’s latest work is easy enough to see, if you’re interested; check it out at www.AliciainAfrica.com.

Sebastian was uniquely qualified to tell a story through the eyes of an artist as gifted as Keys. He’s worked with an impressive list of musicians over the years, including U2, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder and Madonna Rock and Roll Hall of Famers all. For fans of the contemporary scene, Sebastian’s hit list is equally glittering. Besides Keys there’s Beyonce, Tori Amos, Mary J. Blige, Massive Attack, Macy Grey and Miss Elliot. Sebastian honed his craft making music videos, but he’s also a skilled documentarian. His first was “Stolen Moments: Red Hot + Cool.” In the film, artists from jazz and hip hop join forces to bring awareness to people of color who are afflicted with AIDS while also demonstrating how music can be passed down from generation to generation. Thus, jazz greats Branford Marsalis, Herbie Hancock and Ramsey Lewis joined with the likes of The Roots.

The film is on permanent display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Speaking of the rock hall, Sebastian has crafted two docs about a couple of our all-time favorite artists: “Inner City Blues: The Life of Marvin Gaye,” tells the story of the troubled Motown star who gave us some of the most enduring music of the rock and roll era. If you don’t believe that, listen to the lyrics of “Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology Song).”

Sebastian also focused his camera on Steely Dan when the reclusive, jazz-loving troubadours emerged from a lengthy hiatus with the 2000 album, “Two Against Nature.”

Sebastian’s association with Tangerine Films will give him a forum for continuing his work in the music documentary realm. We’ll be interested to see what that partnership generates.

C.D.