Miriam Makeba

South Africa, 1954–2008

South African singer (1932-2008), called Mama Africa. She came up through the Manhattan Brothers and the mbube and marabi of Sophiatown; after speaking against apartheid at the United Nations her citizenship was revoked and she spent thirty-one years in exile, singing in Xhosa and Zulu to audiences who did not know the words.

MusicRoots documents 0 artists who influenced Miriam Makeba and 1 artist Miriam Makeba influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Which artists did Miriam Makeba influence?

• Angelique Kidjo — Makeba is the singer Kidjo grew up on and has performed in tribute ever since - the precedent for an African woman singing in her own languages to the whole world.