11 November 2008
Lagos — Sonia, Nigerian-born, Italy-based Afro Jazz act, was by the stage in Italy on Sunday night when legendary South African musician, Miriam Makeba, performed her last song before passing away a few minutes later at the age of 76. Makeba died in the emergency room of the Pineta Grande Clinic, a private facility in Castel Volturno, near Naples, after an apparent heart attack.
Sonia told THISDAY yesterday: "Finally, I had a big show where Miriam Makeba played. The dream to sing with her was about to come to pass. Pata pata was to be the last song and I was to sing with her. I held the mic at the back, waiting for the sign from the director to ask me to join her.
"She stopped singing suddenly, turned towards us with a divine face she walked towards me she looked tired, she couldn't walk again. She was about falling down. The manager held her. I held her too to support. They lay her down and started massaging her chest. I ran away! The ambulance came, took her to the hospital. We went together. She then passed away. She performed like a divine! I'm confused and stressed and astounded!"
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Before history forgets, this Icon fondly called "Mama Africa" from South Africa was a one woman battalion in the fight and defeat of Apartheid and Colonization respectively. Her name would written in the anal of African heritage as legend who stood tall for the right reasons. May her Soul Rest in perfect Peace. Amen