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 04/2004

    Oumou Sangare
    Oumou.

  • reviewed 06/2005

    Matisyahu
    Live at Stubb's

  • reviewed 05/2015

    Jason Vieaux
    Play

  • reviewed 10/2004

    Pierre Bensusan / Andrew York / Guinga / Brian Gore
    An Evening with International Guitar Night

  • reviewed 09/2006

    SI SE
    More Shine

  • reviewed 02/2017

    Flowers De Moon
    Depression Smiles Chaos Winks

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.