In the late 1960s, a talented but virtually unknown Detroit musician named Rodriguez releases two albums that, despite their critical acclaim, fail to make an impact in the United States. Thought to have disappeared into obscurity, rumors swirl about Rodriguez’s fate, with some believing he committed suicide during a performance. However, unbeknownst to him, Rodriguez's music gains a massive following in South Africa, where his anti-establishment lyrics inspire a generation of young people fighting against apartheid. Decades later, in the late 1990s, two South African fans, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman and Craig Bartholomew-Strydom, decide to investigate what happened to their musical hero, fueled by curiosity and admiration.

Their quest takes them on a journey filled with unexpected discoveries and emotional revelations as they piece together the fragments of Rodriguez's life and career. Through old records, interviews with producers, and urban legends, they follow a trail that leads back to the United States. Along the way, they encounter individuals who played pivotal roles in Rodriguez's brief music career and begin to understand the profound impact his music had on South African society. Their determination to uncover the truth results in a heartwarming and astonishing conclusion, bringing international recognition to Rodriguez and reshaping the narrative of his life and legacy.