Miriam Makeba

Miriam Makeba was a South African singer, songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist known as Mama Africa.

World Music Singer

March 4, 1932

November 09, 2008

76

Miriam Makeba, often referred to as Mama Africa, was a renowned South African singer, songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist. She gained prominence as one of the leading Black African performers in the 20th century and played a significant role in the anti-apartheid movement, using her music to advocate for social change. Some of her most famous works include the hit song “Pata Pata” and her album “Mama Africa”. Makeba collaborated with notable artists such as Harry Belafonte and Paul Simon and achieved several milestones, including being appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations and becoming the first African woman to win a Grammy award. She passed away on November 10, 2008, in Castel Volturno, Italy.