Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba stands as a defining figure among South African Composers of the Greatest Generation.
South African singer and civil rights activist (1932–2008)
"In 1963, Miriam Makeba testified before the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid, detailing the oppressive conditions in South Africa." — About Miriam Makeba
| Metric | Miriam Makeba | Avg Composer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 76 | 60 | +16 yrs |
| Career length | 58 yrs | ~35 yrs | +23 yrs |
| Based on 156 Composer profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Miriam Makeba
Did you know that her marriage to American civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael in 1968 severely damaged her career in the United States, leading to canceled tours and recording contracts?
- She was born in a township near Johannesburg and her first recording was "Lakutshon' Ilanga" in 1953.
- Her first professional engagement was with the Manhattan Brothers, a popular South African jazz group.
- She starred in the anti-apartheid film "Come Back, Africa" (1959), which gained international recognition.
- She was married to Hugh Masekela and later to Stokely Carmichael, a civil rights leader, which impacted her US career.
- She performed at Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday tribute concert in London in 1988, while still living in exile.
In 1963, Miriam Makeba testified before the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid, detailing the oppressive conditions in South Africa. This powerful address led to the South African government revoking her citizenship and banning her music, forcing her into an exile that lasted over three decades.
Miriam Makeba is celebrated globally as "Mama Africa," a powerful voice who fearlessly used her music to fight apartheid and bring African culture to the world, leaving an indelible mark on music and human rights.