Rest in Peace, “Mama Africa”

11/15/08  Print This Post Print This Post    No Comments      Written by Eva Holland
  • Stumble It

South African singer Miriam Makeba died this week at age 76.

Nicknamed Mama Africa, Makeba was known throughout the world not only for her singing but for her stand against South Africa’s apartheid regime. As this BBC story notes, Nelson Mandela has called her both the “mother of our struggle” and “South Africa’s first lady of song.”

Miriam Makeba was the first black artist to win a Grammy award, in 1965.

Here’s one of Makeba’s signature tracks, The Click Song, and another famous one, Pata Pata:

Finally, here are a couple of performances from Paul Simon’s final stop on the Graceland tour, a massive outdoor show in Zimbabwe in 1987.

First, Miriam Makeba performing Soweto Blues, and then a group rendition of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, the anthem of the anti-apartheid movement and now a part of South Africa’s official national anthem.


  • Stumble It

About the Author

Matador ID: deva

Eva Holland is a contributing editor to the Matador Network. She recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of quitting her day job to write and travel full time.

Leave a Comment

Jump To Category:



Explore the Community


Latest Community Blogs

  • Halong Bay, Vietnam.We board a nice boat with cabins with bathrooms. It is misty and the islands are grey ghosts. I do n...
    » posted on 18 November 2009
  • Sitting in the living room watching "The Next Iron Chef" program on the Food Network was a perfect way to end the day. I...
    » posted on 19 November 2009
  • Some 70 per cent of Vietnam’s population is engaged in agriculture, which uses over 20 per cent of the country’s are...
    » posted on 18 November 2009

Popular Stories on Matador

How to Move to Paris with No Money

This is for Americans with insufficient funds, but with... 

Hostel Sex: A Practical Guide For Backpackers

Getting it wherever a backpacker can...... 

10 Traveler's Tips For Rocking A Nudist Beach

Travelers tend to enjoy ultimate freedom on the road, t... 

12 Personal Travel Websites That Will Make You Quit Your Day Job

... 

Drunk and Driving On Berlin’s Beer Bike

Cars nervously skirt by the slowly moving vehicle, tour... 

10 Multi-Use Items You Should Consider Packing

... 



Focus



Editor Blogs