Ephraim Keoreng
14 November 2008
opinion
South Africa's singer Miriam Makeba, who recently died was not just an extraordinary musician.
She was a larger than life figure whose influence reached out from the entertainment scene to the political arena. In the then apartheid South Africa, she was a leading light who used her musical talents to speak out against racial injustices visited upon fellow blacks by the minority white regime. The musical icon was later forced to flee into and live in exile for her singing out against the oppressive regime in Pretoria.
This lady of song was very influential in the music industry too. The Jazz songbird's music spread all over the world and permeated all generations such that new generations of musicians took her songs and remade them to suit their youthful audiences.
For example, Ragga group Bongo Maffin's song Makeba, is a remix of the late singer's Pata Pata (touch-touch). The song has been highly accepted by the fans of Bongo Maffin, who are largely youth. Then there is Malaika with their song Izipinkomo, a song that celebrates African culture and the African wedding ceremony. It gives one an insight into the values of the African wedding ceremony.
The melodious song, with beautiful Afro-pop sounds was popularised by Makeba. Brickz, another new generation musician, has a song inspired from a Makeba song. The Kwaito musician has a song titled Siyadunduza, which was also sung by the iconic lady of song.
Arts activist and Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) official Seabelo Mobibe said Makeba was a powerful and gifted woman whose music transcended cultural, geographic and linguistic boundaries. He said that her passion for humanity and social justice saw her agitating for peace and democracy in Africa and the world in general through her golden voice.
"I have been privileged to see Makeba perform live. In her life, she was more than a singer, as she knew the story she wanted to tell as she addressed the world through song and dance.
She sacrificed 30 years of her life in America in exile, where she constantly communicated with her brothers, sisters and parents in Africa through music. We thank God for his blessing and thank you Miriam "Mama Afrika" Makeba for living your calling to the very last of your moment," he said.
Guitarist-cum-musician, Kabo Leburu, said that he had known Makeba through her musical work, which was special and had thematic substance such that it spoke against the exploitation of man by man, among other things. "I wish I had met her. She was my role model. Last time she was here on a farewell tour I failed to see her," he lamented.
Botswana's foremost female jazz musician, Puna Gabasiane, says she has always been inspired by Makeba's character and music.
Her choice to take the Afro-Jazz genre was inspired by Makeba. "I used to perform most of her songs. Every time I start my show I play her songs first to warm up. She was very close to my heart. I wanted to be like her, exporting my music and culture to the world. Makeba commanded much respect all over the globe. I am sad she has died before I could meet her in person," she said.
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