Preston, Neal, (Photographer), Miram Makeba, Photograph, London, England, UK, CORBIS.
The world grew quiet overnight when Miriam Makeba, singer and human rights activist died unexpectedly at the age of 76. Although her career spanned over five decades, Makeba’s music was banned in her home country during apartheid in South Africa. She was exiled in 1960 and continued to be refused admittance, not even for her mother’s funeral. She has since been nicknamed, Mama Afirka. Her last recording was in 2004. Her last live performance was on Sunday evening in Italy.
Her full obituary can be read at the New York Times.
More information can be found including a full biography and discography on Miriam Makeba’s amazing career in our database, Oxford Music Online.
Check out the Whoopi Goldberg feature film, Sarafina in which Makeba performs. Find the video here:
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Or listen to an audio recording from Harry Belafonte which features Makeba entitled, Belafonte returns to Carnegie Hall. Find the cd here:
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