Miriam+Makeba


 * Miriam Makeba**

Miriam Makeba was a popular singer from South Africa who was commonly referred to as "Mama Africa". She introduced Xhosa and Zulu songs to Western people with her music, her most famous songs being "Pata Pata," "The Click Song," and "Malaika." She was born in 1932 in Prospect Township, near Johannesburg. Her father was Xhosa and her mother was Swazi. Growing up, she sang in the choir at her school. However, by the mid-1950's she was landing local gigs as a full-time singer. By the end of the 50's, she was widely known.

Miriam gained the attention of Harry Belafonte when she made her singing appearance in the documentary //Come Back, Africa//. After gaining his attention, he helped her settle into the US, where she gained more popularity. When she requested re-entry into South Africa in the 1960s, she was denied. She then lived in exile for 3 decades.

In 1962, Makeba performed at a birthday party for late US president John F. Kennedy. Then, in 1965, her and Belafonte released an album titled //An Evening With Belafonte & Makeba//. This album rewarded the duo a grammy award in 1966 for Best Folk Recording.

In the mid 1980s, Miriam met fellow musician Paul Simon, who she then toured with in 1987 on his famous //Graceland Tour//. This tour focused on the issues of apartheid in Miriam's homeland. After Mandela's release from prison she moved back to South Africa.

While being a successful musician, Makeba also spoke out against apartheid in South Africa. She fought for the causes she believed in until her death in 2008.