Mama Afrika – Miriam Makeba – March 4, 1932 – November 10, 2008

One of my favorite artists of all time passed away yesterday, but her loving spirit, music and legacy lives on forever.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1932, her break into worldwide fame began with her performance of the musical King Kong (with future husband Hugh Masekela), and later in the anti-apartheid documentary Come Back, Africa in 1959. She would later marry Black Panther leader Stokely Carmichael (aka Kwame Ture) causing much controversy in the United States.

A multi-award winning singer, songwriter, and activist against the former apartheid regime, she sang her potent songs of freedom until her untimely death caused by a heart attack in Castel Volturno, near Caserta, Italy, after singing her international hit song “Pata Pata”. Former South African president Nelson Mandela said it was “fitting that her last moments were spent on a stage, enriching the hearts and lives of others – and again in support of a good cause.” Read more here.

Please (re)disover this artist and humanitarian’s life work and music.
Below is a video of her hit “Pata Pata” taped in 1968 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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