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AAASM.ORG
IMPROVING THE LIVES OF BLACK PEOPLE THROUGH
AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION
IMPROVING THE LIVES OF BLACK PEOPLE THROUGH
AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION
| AAASM Black History Research Project |
| Miriam Makeba March 4,1932 - November 10, 2008 |
South African diva Miriam Makeba is well known throughout the world known
as the Mama Africa and the Empress of African Song. Born in 1932 in South
Africa, she first came to the publics attention as a featured vocalist with the
Manhattan Brothers in 1954. She soon left to record with her all-woman
group the Skylarks while touring Southern Africa with Alf Herberts' African
Jazz and Variety, an 18 month tour that launched the careers of many
African artists. In 1959, Makeba's incredible voice help win her the role of
the female lead in the show, King Kong, a Broadway-inspired South African
musical. She then went to conquer America where she sang at President
Kennedy's birthday and worked in New York with Harry Belafonte creating
such classics as "The Click Song" and "Pata Pata". In 1963 she testified
about apartheid before the United Nations, as a result the South African
government revoked her citizenship and right of return. She stayed in the
U.S. and married Stokely Carmichael, a Black Panther leader. That began
her exile from her South African homeland. After harassment by U.S.
Authorities she fled to exile in Guinea. Makeba returned to world prominence
when she performed with Paul Simon on the Graceland tour. Finally in the
late 1980's she returned to her homeland as a free South African.
as the Mama Africa and the Empress of African Song. Born in 1932 in South
Africa, she first came to the publics attention as a featured vocalist with the
Manhattan Brothers in 1954. She soon left to record with her all-woman
group the Skylarks while touring Southern Africa with Alf Herberts' African
Jazz and Variety, an 18 month tour that launched the careers of many
African artists. In 1959, Makeba's incredible voice help win her the role of
the female lead in the show, King Kong, a Broadway-inspired South African
musical. She then went to conquer America where she sang at President
Kennedy's birthday and worked in New York with Harry Belafonte creating
such classics as "The Click Song" and "Pata Pata". In 1963 she testified
about apartheid before the United Nations, as a result the South African
government revoked her citizenship and right of return. She stayed in the
U.S. and married Stokely Carmichael, a Black Panther leader. That began
her exile from her South African homeland. After harassment by U.S.
Authorities she fled to exile in Guinea. Makeba returned to world prominence
when she performed with Paul Simon on the Graceland tour. Finally in the
late 1980's she returned to her homeland as a free South African.
| South African Legend Dies Hear Her Tribute NOW! |
Accomplishments:
1975:
"Woman Of The Century Award" - from The Bedford Styversant Community, New York.
1986:
"Los Angeles Certificate Of Recognition In The Field Of Music" - for her humanity and
perseverance against apartheid.
1987:
"Certificate Of Appreciation" - from the U.S. District of Columbia for contributing to the
quality of life for the oppressed and disadvantaged.
1989:
"Corita Kent Peace Award" from Los Angeles
1995:
The President of Tunisia awarded her the highest decoration of this country for her cultural
achievements and her commitment to the just African cause.
1998
The University of Fort Hare, South Africa awards Miriam an Honorary Doctorate in Arts, for
"her contribution to the unfolding culture of liberation in her birth country".
Cities from around the world have honoured her by having "Miriam Makeba Days" and
giving her honory citizenship and she has even had streets named after her.
1975:
"Woman Of The Century Award" - from The Bedford Styversant Community, New York.
1986:
"Los Angeles Certificate Of Recognition In The Field Of Music" - for her humanity and
perseverance against apartheid.
1987:
"Certificate Of Appreciation" - from the U.S. District of Columbia for contributing to the
quality of life for the oppressed and disadvantaged.
1989:
"Corita Kent Peace Award" from Los Angeles
1995:
The President of Tunisia awarded her the highest decoration of this country for her cultural
achievements and her commitment to the just African cause.
1998
The University of Fort Hare, South Africa awards Miriam an Honorary Doctorate in Arts, for
"her contribution to the unfolding culture of liberation in her birth country".
Cities from around the world have honoured her by having "Miriam Makeba Days" and
giving her honory citizenship and she has even had streets named after her.
| Miriam Makeba The Click Song 1966 HEAR IT NOW! |