Tunde Folawiyo | Mama Africa: The Impact of Miriam Makeba

Dubbed “Mama Africa” for her renowned contributions to the people and cultures of a continent, Miriam Makeba remains a highly influential figure even years after her passing. The South African civil rights advocate and singer paved the way for a new generation of African musicians, becoming the first African artist to popularize the African music genre around the globe in the 1960s. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the continent may regard Miriam Makeba for her unwavering spirit and immense talent.

Born in March 1932 in Johannesburg, Makeba’s mother was a healer-herbalist called a Swazi sangoma while her father was a Xhosa. She spent her first six months in jail as her mother was imprisoned for selling a homemade African beer. Later, as a young girl, Makeba began singing in a choir for a primary school in the city of Pretoria. She attended the school for nearly eight years.

Makeba’s professional singing career got its start during the 1950s. She became featured in a South African group called Manhattan Brothers. She left the group to record alongside an all-woman musical group called The Skylarks. The unique blend of traditional South African melodies and jazz became highly popular. Her single “Pata Pata”, recorded during 1957 and later released in the U.S. a decade later made her well known throughout the country of South Africa and beyond. This skyrocketed her career in which she would later record and tour with a variety of popular artists including Harry Belafonte, Hugh Masekela and Paul Simon.

Makeba’s activism further propelled her international fame. Her appearance in the anti-apartheid film titled Come Back, Africa created a great impression on viewers. The film was awarded the acclaimed Critics’ Award at Venice’s annual Film Festival, where Makeba was granted a visa to attend the film’s premiere. Later that year, the singer was given the leading female role for the Broadway-inspired musical King Kong in South Africa. As a popular advocate against South Africa’s era of apartheid, Makeba’s South African passport was revoked. During this time, a number of countries reached out to aid.

Belgium, Guinea and Ghana all issued international passports, welcoming her into their countries. Throughout her life, Makeba was an honorary citizen of ten countries, holding nine passports. Tunde Folawiyo and others throughout Africa may remember Makeba for her spirit, generosity and talent. For these, she will forever be cemented in the continent’s history as “Mama Africa”.