Miriam Makeba

Reflections

2004-07-12

The life of South African vocalist Miriam Makeba has been one of struggle.

Makeba was thrown in jail before turning one year old, living for six months with her mother in a Johannesburg prison. During her early recording career, she remained a visible and outspoken opponent of apartheid and was subsequently sent into exile, having her South African citizenship revoked for thirty years.

During that time, she carried her message of hope to the world, touring and recording internationally with Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, Odetta, Nina Simone and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Following apartheid’s collapse in 1990, Miriam Makeba reclaimed her throne as the Empress of African Song. She returns now with Reflections, new on the Heads Up record label.

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 05/2007

    Stephen Marley
    Mind Control

  • reviewed 09/2008

    FUNKADESI
    – Yo Baba

  • reviewed 08/2005

    Amadou and Mariam
    Dimanche a Bamako

  • reviewed 09/2008

    Various Artists – Absolutely Irish
    Absoulutely Irish Soundrack

  • reviewed 09/2006

    BRAZILIAN GIRLS
    Talk to La Bomb

  • reviewed 07/2007

    DOBET GNAHORE
    Na Afriki

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.