SA: Mandela hails Makeba

  1. Posted on Tuesday 11 November 2008 - 09:20
    Sam Banda Junior
    Image of Sam Banda Junior
    Sam Banda Junior, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi Photo: Ilvy Njiokiktjien
    Singer Miriam Makeba's music was powerful and gave hope to many in Africa, said South Africa's first black president Nelson Mandela. He hailed the renowned artist who died over the weekend after a concert in Italy. Popularly known as "Mama Africa" she took African music to international pedestal.
    Mandela_Ilvy_Njiokiktjien.jpg
    Mandela, who is respected world over for his humbleness was quoted on Sabcnews.com to have said that Makeba continued to make the country proud. He said that the musician had used her worldwide fame to focus attention on apartheid. He added that it was fitting that her last moments were spent on stage.

    South Africa’s Arts Culture and Tourism body head, Kwazulu-Natal said the female artist played an important role in the struggle for women’s liberation. Makeba died overnight after suffering a heart attack in Italy shortly after a concert performance.

    She was born in Johannesburg on March 4, 1932 and became the first black African woman to receive a Grammy Award which she shared with folk singer Harry Belafonte in 1965.

    Media reports across the continent say that most Africans and Makeba’s fans received the news with shock. Most of the radio and TV stations played her songs just as the news broke out.

    Makeba’s death comes just a few months after the country also lost another top gospel artist Vuyo Mokoena.

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