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Miriam Makeba
March 4, 1932— November 10, 2008
(From Afrik-News, November 10, 2008.)
One of South Africa’s celebrated singers Miriam “Mama” Makeba has died. Makeba died in Italy overnight
aged 76 after being taken ill following a concert near the southern Italian town of Caserta, reports say.
Makeba was the legendary voice of the African continent, who became a symbol of the fight against apartheid in her
home country. She died overnight after taking part in a concert for Roberto Saviano, a writer threatened with death
by the Mafia.
After singing for half an hour for the young author of Gomorrah at Castel Volturno near Naples along with other
singers and artistes she was taken ill and was quickly taken to a clinic in Castel Volturno where she died of a heart
attack.
SA Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma has said paid tribute on behalf of the nation.
“One of the greatest songstresses of our time, Miriam Makeba, has ceased to sing. Miriam Makeba, South Africa’s
Goodwill Ambassador died performing what she did best - an ability to communicate a positive message through the
art of singing.”
“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 colonialism through the art of song.”
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