Adiel Ismail
10 November 2008
Cape Town — Singer, song writer, political activist and actress Miriam Zenzi Makeba, or "Mama Africa" as she was popularly known, was born in Johannesburg on March 4 1932.
She made her debut as a vocalist with the Manhattan Brothers in the 1950s. After leaving South Africa to star in the Todd Matshikiza musical, King Kong, she attracted international attention with her vocal ability and released many famous hits such as "Pata Pata," "The Click Song" and "Malaika" while abroad.
When she attempted to return to South Africa after her mother's death, Miriam was refused entry. She lost her passport and after she became known as an anti apartheid activist abroad, her music was banned. She stayed in exile for 31 years, returning only after Nelson Mandela was released and persuaded her to come back.
Makeba captured the hearts of many South Africans as some of her songs dealt with the political plight of blacks oppressed by the apartheid regime.
In her autobiography, "Makeba: My Story," she wrote: "I kept my culture. I kept the music of my roots. Through my music I became the voice and image of Africa and the people."
Amongst her top accolades is a joint Polar Music Prize with Sofia Gubaidulina. She was voted 38th of the "Top 100 Great South Africans" and was given the "International Award for Social Engagement" by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
As "Mama Africa's" music continues to reach both the heights and depths of her listeners' emotions, she will always be remembered as an instrument with the ability not only to speak out but to sing out against all social vices.
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Miriam Makeba will be missed by the world community. Her tireless efforts for the rights of others will always be remembered.
With all my heart.
In the springtime, near an hedge full of intentions, I see the blackbird of a youthful day: over a bridge, near a delicate sadness, with all my heart......
Francesco Sinibaldi
MAMA AFRICA hmm! what a ride that,s been. Rest in peace, so we pray and you,ve joined our glorious ancestors.Pan Africannist,freedon fighter,and one that had Africa in mind always,truely great AFRICAN.
AN IROKO TREE HAS FALLEN " OH DEATH WHO ARE THOU" WHY DO THE GOOD ONES GO DOWN TO THE GRAVE. MARIAM SANG TILL HER DEATH. AFRICANS ARE PROUD OF YOU. MAY HER GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE. ADIEU MAMA AFRIQUE!
where is the video of her last song, please post it on youtube... we will so miss you. rest in peace, you did a lot to us. sing were ever you are.
please dont forget to post the concert on youtube
She has left a lot of good music behind, which will last for generations to come. I was introduced to Mariam Makeba by my mother who is a big fan of her, and I too have watched a few concerts of hers and she was marvelous!! May her soul rest in peace!
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