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 04/2005

    Jorane
    The You and the Now

  • reviewed 09/2007

    ANOUSHKA SHANKAR and KARSH KALE
    Breathing Underwater

  • reviewed 09/2010

    NORTEC COLLECTIVE PRESENTS: BOSTICH + FUSSIBLE
    Bulevar 2000

  • reviewed 10/2015

    The Dears
    Times Infinity Volume One

  • reviewed 01/2007

    HAZMAT MODINE
    Klezmer Blues

  • reviewed 05/2009

    The Sway Machinery
    Hidden Melodies Revealed

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.