Miriam Makeba was not only a celebrated singer but also a passionate civil rights activist, advocating against apartheid in South Africa.
Known as Mama Africa, Makeba was a pivotal figure in bringing African music to a global audience, influencing many artists across genres.
She received the prestigious Polar Music Prize, recognizing her significant contributions to music and culture.
Biography
Early Life
Zenzile Miriam Makeba, affectionately known as Mama Africa, was born on March 4, 1932, in Johannesburg, South Africa. She emerged as a prominent singer-songwriter and civil rights activist, using her voice to advocate against apartheid and the injustices faced by her people. Her musical journey began in the vibrant cultural landscape of South Africa, where she was influenced by various genres, including marabi, jazz, and township music.
Career Milestones
Makeba's career took off in the 1950s when she gained international recognition for her powerful voice and poignant lyrics. She released several acclaimed albums, including "Pata Pata" and "The Voice of Africa," which showcased her unique blend of African rhythms and jazz influences. Throughout her career, she collaborated with notable artists such as Harry Belafonte, further solidifying her status as a global ambassador for African music. Her work not only entertained but also educated audiences about the struggles of her homeland, making her a significant figure in the civil rights movement.
Legacy
Miriam Makeba's impact on music and culture is profound. She is often referred to as the "Empress of African Song" and was instrumental in popularizing African music in the Western world. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and activists alike, with Nelson Mandela once calling her "South Africa's first lady of song." Makeba's contributions to music and her unwavering commitment to social justice have left an indelible mark on the world, earning her numerous accolades, including the Polar Music Prize and the Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Makeba Sings!2015
- 1.Cameroon2:49
- 2.Woza2:56
- 3.Little Bird3:32
- 4.Chove-Chuva2:32
- 5.Same Moon2:41
- 6.Kilimanjaro3:04
- 7.Khawuyani-Khanyange3:18
- 8.Wind Song2:41
- 9.Khuluma2:41
- 10.Let's Pretend2:43
- 11.Beau Chevalier2:14
- 12.Maduna3:49
Forbidden Games2014
- 1.Forbidden Games2:56
- 2.Dubula2:46
- 3.Little Boy3:24
- 4.Oxgam2:02
- 5.Kilimanjaro3:02
- 6.Wind Song2:38
- 7.The Click Song2:31
- 8.Little Bird3:30
- 9.Cameroon2:49
- 10.Amampondo1:57
- 11.Sunrise, Sunset2:43
- 12.Let’s Pretend2:39
Live at Avo Session (Basel)2014
- 1.Live the Future (Live)4:09
- 2.Amampondo [Live]18:48
- 3.Africa Is Where My Heart Lies (Live)5:35
- 4.Imbube (Live)3:31
- 5.Nomeva (Live)2:14
- 6.In Time (Live)5:49
- 7.Masakhane (Live)6:31
- 8.Ingwe Mabala [Live]4:57
- 9.Malaika (Live)4:28
- 10.Ibhabhalazi (Live)4:56
- 11.Pata Pata (Live)3:56
- 12.U‐Mngoma (Live)1:32
The Many Voices of Miriam Makeba2011
- 1.Kilimanjaro2:49
- 2.Saduva2:30
- 3.Carnival2:19
- 4.Thanayi3:09
- 5.The Click Song2:17
- 6.Live Humble2:26
- 7.The Naughty Little Flea3:50
- 8.The Retreat Song2:36
- 9.Umqokozo2:10
- 10.Love Tastes Like Strawberries5:06
- 11.West Wind2:51
- 12.Can’t Cross Over3:22
Homeland2000
- 1.Masakhane4:44
- 2.Amaliya3:15
- 3.Pata Pata 20003:51
- 4.'Cause We Live for Love4:37
- 5.Liwa Wechi3:32
- 6.Lindelani3:16
- 7.Homeland4:07
- 8.Umhome5:11
- 9.Africa Is Where My Heart Lies4:44
- 10.In Time5:01
Eyes on Tomorrow1991
- 1.I Still Long for You4:43
- 2.Eyes on Tomorrow4:09
- 3.Don't Break My Heart4:35
- 4.Thina Sizonqoba4:16
- 5.We Speak Peace5:09
- 6.Thulasizwe / I Shall Be Released3:47
- 7.Vukani5:06
- 8.Birds3:12
- 9.Live the Future5:30
Welela1989
- 1.Amampondo4:20
- 2.African Sunset5:49
- 3.Djiu De Galinha4:08
- 4.A Luta Continua4:50
- 5.Soweto Blues4:16
- 6.Welela4:18
- 7.Hapo Zamani4:29
- 8.Pata Pata3:53
- 9.Saduva4:43
- 10.Africa4:33
A Promise1989
- 1.A Promise4:44
- 2.Quit It4:00
- 3.We Got to Make It4:10
- 4.Mama Ndiyalila3:26
- 5.La Guinée, Guinée3:15
- 6.Hauteng4:50
- 7.Mama (Mama Been an Over)4:22
- 8.Moolouyame4:04
- 9.Samba5:09
Sangoma1988
- 1.Emabhaceni2:39
- 2.Baxabene Oxamu2:17
- 3.Ngalala Phantsi2:33
- 4.Ihoyiya1:30
- 5.Kulo Nyaka2:22
- 6.Baya Jabula2:24
- 7.Mabhongo1:26
- 8.Ingwemabala1:58
- 9.Mosadi Ku Rima3:14
- 10.Angilalanga2:20
- 11.Ungakanani1:29
- 12.Ngiya Khuyeka1:39
- 13.Nyankwabe1:57
- 14.Sabumoya1:47
- 15.Congo2:50
- 16.Nginani Na2:40
- 17.Umam' Uyajabula2:01
- 18.Nyamuthla2:31
- 19.Icala3:14
Myriam Makeba1986
- 1.I Shall Sing4:11
- 2.Kulala3:45
- 3.Malaika5:14
- 4.Jolinkomo3:31
- 5.Ring Bell3:57
- 6.Pata Pata2:46
- 7.Ngoma Kurila6:06
- 8.Forbidden Games3:44
- 9.Mas que nada4:07
- 10.West Wind3:40
- 11.Amampondo2:45
- 12.Quite It4:02
- 13.Hauteng4:51
- 14.Moolouyame4:07
- 15.Samba5:06
Comme une symphonie d'amour / Malaisha / Sabelani / African Convention1979
- 1.Chicken (Kikirikiki)4:22
- 2.Malaisha (Bring the Axe)3:40
- 3.Iyaguduza5:38
- 4.Ndibanga hamba3:25
- 5.Comme une symphonie d'amour3:45
- 6.Sabelani4:46
- 7.Ngewundini4:32
- 8.African Convention5:05
- 9.Murtala6:20
Country Girl1978
- 1.Country Girl5:20
- 2.Tailor Man4:30
- 3.Xica da Silva5:30
- 4.Witch Doctor (Isangoma)4:00
- 5.The Lion Cries (Mbube)5:00
- 6.Meet Me at the River5:40
- 7.Goodbye Poverty5:30
- 8.Click Song3:35
Harry Belafonte & Miriam Makeba1975
Tracklist not collected yet.
Keep Me in Mind1970
Tracklist not collected yet.
Click Song1968
Tracklist not collected yet.
Makeba!1968
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Best of Miriam Makeba1968
Tracklist not collected yet.
Pata Pata1967
Tracklist not collected yet.
All About Miriam1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Magic of Makeba1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Magnificent Miriam Makeba1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
The World of Miriam Makeba1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
An Evening With Belafonte/Makeba1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Voice of Africa1964
Tracklist not collected yet.
Miriam Makeba1960
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Strut Records
- Record label
- RCA Victor
- Record label
- Mercury Records
- Record label
- Kapp Records
- Record label
- Collectables Records
- Record label
- Warner Records Inc.
- Record label
- Reprise Records
- Record label
- Philips Records
- Record label
- Sonodisc
Achievements
- Award
- Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres
- Award
- Polar Music Prize
- Award
- Otto Hahn Peace Medal
- Award
- honorary degree from Spelman College
- Award
- South African Music Awards
- Award
- Order for Meritorious Service
- Award
- Order of Ikhamanga in Gold
- Award
- Commander of the Legion of Honour
Groups
- The Manhattan Brotherscurrent
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: M. Makeba, Makeba, Myriam, Miriam Makebo, Myriam Makeba, Zenzile Miriam Makeba
Zenzile Miriam Makeba, nicknamed Mama Africa, was a South African singer, songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist. Associated with musical genres including Afropop, jazz, and world music, she was an advocate against apartheid and white-minority government in South Africa.
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Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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