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The
renowned South African singer, Miriam Makeba, 76, known affectionately
as “Mama Africa” died early this morning in the emergency
room of the Pineta Grande Clinic in Castel Volturno, Italy. Often
dubbed a political singer, Makeba performed for greats like John F.
Kennedy and Nelson Mandela and took the stage with Nina Simone, Dizzy
Gillespie and Harry Belafonte. “One of the greatest songstresses of our
time has ceased to sing,” shares Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Foreign
Affairs minister in an AP interview. “Throughout her life, Mama Makeba
communicated a positive message to the world about the struggle of the
people of South Africa and the certainty of victory over the dark
forces of apartheid and colonialism through the art of song.”
Makeba, the
first African to win a Grammy Award, was banned from South Africa for
30 years under apartheid. She was invited to return home when Mandela
was released from prison in 1990. Makeba’s first husband was Hugh
Masakela, a celebrated South African jazz trumpeter. Mama Africa is
survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. –yvette caslin
