Onyebuchi Ezigbo
11 November 2008
Abuja — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday joined the world to mourn the death of the foremost African music icon, Miriam Makeba.
NLC in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr. John Odah, likened Makeba to Nigeria's own Fela Anikulapo Kuti who through their music crusaded for the liberation of the downtrodden by oppressive governments.
According to the NLC, Makeba "lived an active and well-celebrated life as a musician, national liberal activist and peace advocate."
The Union in a statement from its General Secretary, John Odah, said: "As an entertainer, she creatively explored in her songs the plight of black South Africans under apartheid while her concerts, speeches and media appearances were veritable fora for denouncing the racist regime and its collaborators.
"We remember her as a dogged and consistent fighter, who deployed her music to inspire and support the anti-colonial and national liberal movement. Together with the likes of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Robert Nesta Marley, Hugh Masekela, Makeba opened and sustained a cultural front in the African liberation offensive.
"Africa was the concern of her life and she sang about Africa with such intensity of passion, that she eventually became better known as Mama Africa!
"Makeba was deeply involved in the efforts of the liberation movement in South Africa and was critical to the diplomatic offensive of the ANC, for which she endured numerous indignities.
"The Apartheid regime revoked her South African citizenship and denied her the opportunity to return home in 1960 for her mother's funeral after testifying against Apartheid before the United Nations. However, that Makeba was granted honorary citizenship by at least nine countries is testimony to her popularity and respectability around the continent.
"As an artiste, Makeba left a legacy of social and political relevance and enduring lyrical versatility founded on very high political consciousness and first-class skills as a composer."
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