Miriam Makeba, affectionately known as "Mama Africa", was a South African singer and civil rights activist whose music was imbued with the spirit of her homeland and her unwavering dedication to social justice. Born on March 4, 1932, in Johannesburg, she rose to prominence in the 1950s, combining traditional African melodies with contemporary genres like jazz and Western popular music. Her unique sound captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, propelling her to international fame.

Makeba's career was as much about her artistry as it was about her activism. Exiled from South Africa in the early 1960s due to her outspoken opposition to apartheid, she became a musical emissary for her country, using her platform to bring global attention to the plight of her people. Her 1967 hit "Pata Pata" became an international sensation, yet she remained committed to the struggle against apartheid, influencing fellow musicians and political leaders alike. Despite facing personal tragedies and political challenges, including a brief marriage to civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael that led to losing her record deals in the United States, Makeba's legacy endured through albums like "Sangoma" and "Keep Me In Mind." She returned to a free South Africa in the 1990s after the fall of apartheid, continuing to perform until her death in 2008. Miriam Makeba remains a towering figure in music, celebrated for her powerful voice and profound impact on the fight for equality and freedom.

Genres

Afropop

South African Jazz

World

Xhosa

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Hugh Masekela

Angelique Kidjo

Paul Simon

Cesária Evora

Harry Belafonte

Dorothy Masuka

Fela Kuti

Baaba Maal

Abdullah Ibrahim

Pete Seeger

Mahotella Queens

Latest Release

The Unforgettable Miriam Makeba (Remastered 2024)

Miriam Makeba

Album - 50 Tracks - Released June 21, 2024