Miriam Makeba - Oxgam

Miriam Makeba
(4 March 1932 -- 10 November 2008)
one helluva lady... 100% dedicated to her craft, all the way to her dying day voice of freedom, her songs share the stories, the struggles, the integrity of the native South African people under Apartheid Rule throughout the 60's , 70's , and 80's.
now go and learn more, hear more, and share more
The woman, the legend, the angel , the sage ..
Hail Mama Africa
Hail the memory of Miriam Makeba
~ M. Garza ~
Makeba's life has consistently been marked by struggle. As the daughter of a sangoma, a mystical traditional healer of the Xhosa tribe, she spent six months of her birth year in jail with her mother. Gifted with a dynamic vocal tone, Makeba recorded her debut single, "Lakutshona Llange," as a member of the Manhattan Brothers in 1953. Although she left to form an all-female group named the Skylarks in 1958, she reunited with members of the Manhattan Brothers when she accepted the lead female role in a musical version of King Kong, which told the tragic tale of Black African boxer, Ezekiel "King Kong" Dlamani, in 1959. The same year, she began an 18-month tour of South Africa with Alf Herbert's musical extravaganza, African Jazz and Variety, and made an appearance in a documentary film, Come Back Africa. These successes led to invitations to perform in Europe and the United States.
Makeba was embraced by the African American community. "Pata Pata," Makeba's signature tune, was written by Dorothy Masuka and recorded in South Africa in 1956 before eventually becoming a major hit in the U.S. in 1967. In late 1959, she performed for four weeks at the Village Vanguard in New York. She later made a guest appearance during Harry Belafonte's groundbreaking concerts at Carnegie Hall. A double-album of the event, released in 1960, received a Grammy award. Makeba has continued to periodically renew her collaboration with Belafonte, releasing an album in 1972 titled Belafonte & Miriam Makeba. Makeba then made a special guest appearance at the Harry Belafonte Tribute at Madison Square Garden in 1997.
Makeba's successes as a vocalist were also balanced by her outspoken views about apartheid. In 1960, the government of South Africa revoked her citizenship. For the next 30 years, she was forced to be a "citizen of the world." Makeba received the Dag Hammerskjold Peace Prize in 1968. After marrying radical black activist Stokely Carmichael, many of her concerts were canceled, and her recording contract with RCA was dropped, resulting in even more problems for the artist. She eventually relocated to Guinea at the invitation of president Sekou Toure and agreed to serve as Guinea's delegate to the United Nations. In 1964 and 1975, she addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations on the horrors of apartheid.
Makeba remained active as a musician over the years. In 1975, she recorded an album, A Promise, with Joe Sample, Stix Hooper, Arthur Adams, and David T. Walker of the Crusaders. Makeba joined Paul Simon and South Africa 's Ladysmith Black Mambazo during their worldwide Graceland tour in 1987 and 1988. Two years later, she joined Odetta and Nina Simone for the One Nation tour.
Makeba published her autobiography, Miriam: My Story, in English in 1988 and subsequently had it translated and published in German, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese. Following Nelson Mandela's release from prison, Makeba returned to South Africa in December 1990. She performed her first concert in her homeland in 30 years in April 1991. She appeared in South African award-winning musical Sarafina in 1992 in the role of Sarafina's mother. Two years later, she reunited with her first husband, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, for the Tour of Hope tour. In 1995, Makeba formed a charity organization to raise funds to help protect the women of South Africa. The same year, she performed at the Vatican's Nevi Hall during a worldwide broadcast, Christmas in the Vatican. Makeba's first studio album in a decade, Homeland, was released in 2000. ~
~ Craig Harris, Rovi ~

[@axeclanable]

She sun-kissed her mother tongue. She made me as umXhosa study self further and pride myself in all that I did. She advanced South Africa and Africa as a whole to heights unheard of or seen before. Mama Africa; you were and continue to be life. Lala Ngoxolo Qhawekazi. Rest in Peace our beloved heroin; your love and message was as addictive as your monumental music and presence were. You gave us too much life to have died; you'll forever be through your reach beyond music and actual contributions

[@sfdungeon]

When I uploaded this song I never dreamed it would get so much attention, so many comments , so many views . . . though I knew it was worthy. I am so happy to find out that she was a remarkable figure that touched all kinds of people all over the world. People that were remarkably touched by the art and the life of the woman known to many as Mama Africa, or Miriam Makeba. Love Liefde حب Liebe Amore Lufu 애정 愛 sayang die Liebe αγάπη láska 喜 meilė mīlestība kærlighed armastus rakkaus kjærlighet zamiłowanie yeu ljubav aşk kärlek ljubezen любовь dragoste

[@dkland1980]

Thank u

[@MrDomeDoyou]

sfdungeon Thanks!

[@sfdungeon]

on the contrary!

[@dovets]

+sfdungeon Thank you for sharing. What an amazing lady she was, so far before her time!!

[@Hemahoogglans]

+sfdungeon Thank you so much for sharing! Since I was only 1,5 years old I danced to her music (in Amsterdam, The Netherlands). Kind regards, Miriam (yes, that is my name ^_^ )

[@pabloguazzotti2260]

I thought I had a good overall knowledge of music until last night I chanced upon a documentary on this lady, whom I totally ignored. Bless this absolute beauty.

[@dkland1980]

Do you have the link to the documentary? I would love to watch it.

[@pabloguazzotti2260]

Not really, it was on TV but I'm sure if you google it you'l come across it.

[@khadijahtaylor8326]

same here my whole perspective on music changed when I saw the documentary

[@anwyllonmusic]

You can't ignore what you don't know brother. Now you know! Appreciate and share the message!

[@PHlophe]

Pablito try listening traditional malian and gambian it'll blow your mind

[@danchezish]

Holy Africa!!! From the highest peak of Kilimanjaro the Islands of Madagascar. From the bare sand of Sahara to the thickest equatorial forest of D.R.C West of Africa to sweet home Kenya. I will live to love you.

[@VerbaleMondo]

I am black Colombian and I feel black- african people are connected by the same beautiful roots

[@PlayingForChange]

The joy she sheds is like light filling up the room. She is the epitome of pure music!

[@lucyholder123]

Playing For Change That's what makes me cry every time

[@qwerty7573]

Playing For Change me too...I feel stupid that I have all and I'm always unsatisfied and she went through so many troubles and still was so happy

[@dicksonkhaemba5188]

Christinashusho

[@ruggidboy38]

she is the definition of a real woman and it saddens me that there are no strong female role models in the media , it almost brings me to tears to know there will never be any woman close to miriam not because she amazing and no can come close, but because they would rather be nicki manaj

[@lindal3841]

The song goes 'Awu baxabene ooxam bexabene ngengxoxo, bexakwe yi ngxubakaxaka...' 'Hay ke le gqi iqheya la xing' eqingeni,beliqada mama ngeqotho le qhude' The language is IsiXhosa and no, it's not the click song. Our language just consists a lot of clicks :)

[@sfdungeon]

Jade look through the comments

[@johane4764]

+Linda L That's the clearest translation I've ever encountered. The rest on the net seems pretty confusing. Thanks!

[@vantarinitel]

+Linda L Thank you!

[@isiajank]

what does it mean? :)

[@isiajank]

ah ok i've found the translation

[@hermaneteme5934]

i've already listening to this video for 50th time..........!!!! i think that is my 60th time lol.... i loved it

[@hermaneteme5934]

lol........ can you give the translation? i want it

[@sfdungeon]

toppest* comment : "The water lizards are fighting No solution can be found to the dispute A Khoisan man tries to mediate With no success Each side tries to bribe him with meat from the Kudu PS- this is not a literal translation, but the meaning of the song. It is really like a tongue twister, an education tool for people to master the click sounds of Xhosa" thank you Masimba Musodza

[@avrilhogarth]

There will be more women like Miriam who stand up for her people. She did it at the hardest time and was very brave. It's up to us and future generations to keep up the fight I think

[@allbetsRoff60]

Beautiful, regal, the essence of a real black woman, extremely talented. I loved her voice and growing up as a child she really inspired me. It was an honor just to see one of my people receive the accolades she so deserved, now that I am older, I understand the background behind some of the injustices people of color have suffered or are suffering and it still breaks my heart.

[@keeturbo]

AFRICAN ROYALTY RIGHT THERE,She always has this regal presence about her,she's the very essence of Africa.

[@Django_fahi93z]

Any one here miss this masterpiece n 2024 ?? ✨

[@sfdungeon]

@𝔻𝕛𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕠_𝕗𝕒𝕙𝕚93𝕫 totally miss her ...here is an upload from a news broadcast that pays tribute to her life, aired right after her sudden death. If you would like , it's pretty awesome. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4bcfnhuqpWUp5Ysi=80sblWXsLuG1MQY1

[@Vinaluv]

my cousins were named named after her. One is Makeba and her older sister is Miriam!

[@ghall1667]

Vinaluv lol my sisters name is Makeba

[@qwerty7573]

Vinaluv lucky people!:)

[@TracyD2]

This artist is new to me. I love discovering such beautiful music from around the world. Makes my spirit soar.

[@jamillastone3141]

I have NO IDEA what she is saying but I like what I'm hearing.

[@taz-on-the-looseyusef5526]

i dont understand a single word, but i feel the music so much, this is incredible, the way she performs is so full of life and love of music, i wouldnt have missed this woman's shows, if i was born in those years, dont mind about the dislikes, they are probably babies

[@shammah42]

living away from home but this song draws memories of me in my beautiful motherland.love yah

[@NickyD2012]

wow, where was I to discover this song this late. I don't know how many times I have hit the replay button

[@Paulinerom1]

So Very Beautiful. I Loved her from the moment i heard her sing, I was 15 yrs old, I am 66yrs old now. Rest In Peace Sweet Soul. XXXXX

[@heidibrenke-malone7678]

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡this is so beautiful and vibrant♡♡♡♡ we were so lucky to have had her

[@NickyD2012]

I bet very few musicians of our days can sing this good with only three instruments

[@PHlophe]

Nicodem. they'll use autotune instead lol!

[@cici47sa60]

speechless * cant leave without this, and im only 22y

[@avrilhogarth]

I wish us welsh were as passionate as Miriam. She fought for what was right in her country

[@agthaog1986]

powerful yet soo pleasant voice

[@lwando6070]

wow!! baxabene 'ooxam' not 'Oxgam'. baxebene ngeengxoxo bexakwe yingxube kaxaka. Flawless Xhosa-fied. I'm a Proud Xhosa #proudlySouthAfrican

[@allthingsnatural1195]

what a beauty

[@msnos6245]

I like the winter coat with the African scarf. That's awesome fashion.

[@keeturbo]

Miriam is always so regal.Truly an African Queen

[@duchesspatty1244]

When I have a hard time falling asleep, it helps me fall asleep. It's like an adult nursery rhyme. Love Miriam Makeba!

[@tomlove1081]

Always so happy mama Makeba my big sister.I love you like i love my family too.Sing sing sing..

[@Themuffinman179]

Oh my how tears flow on their own.

[@MrDomeDoyou]

Muffin Man I felt the same.....

[@ofentsengobese5088]

This song literally gets me out of bed

[@88roos]

This brings a mix of different emotions, it moves me, is slightly happy; as a new beginning, slightly sad; as a nostalgic memory, but after all it is absolutely peaceful and playful. Nice tongue clicking technique!

[@011747156]

Mama Africa Miriam Makeba..She had the most beautiful voice ever.Every song is breath taking and you surely enjoy the melody of her voice in every song dhe sings

[@ngoziakalanne6628]

The click language is sooo sweet. I do not understand a word but the song and music touches me to the soul. Beautiful lady Rest in Peace

[@hermaneteme5934]

when i listenning to this video i start crying

[@monzermasri8141]

Fabulous I used to had an Album of her ... But I lost it some where..

[@janerawlinson4617]

She was very beautiful

[@sfdungeon]

in every way xxoo

[@qwerty7573]

chi dice che una canzone debba essere lunga o complicata per darti qualcosa? questa dura 2 minuti e racconta più di quanto mille altri cantanti messi insieme possano fare. il tutto accompagnato da una classe, un' eleganza e una musicalità nella voce davvero rare

[@BoyetMoto]

Keep spreading music like this sir! I really appreciated it. I can't find the word to describe this.

[@sfdungeon]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKLHlK1mmr5_ibM

[@KalElCryptonian]

Did not understood a single word but ....Wow what a song one of the best I heard in an unknown language

[@matimbamabunda7950]

The song is sang in xhosa (one of the south african language). it is an african proverb and it means more than you would understand from the translation but here goes: The monitor lizards in an argument They are in a heated debate They are puzzled by a dilemma Then (all of a sudden) a Khoi person Got caught in the middle (of the matter) Each was bribing him With a piece of kudu meat

[@lilithangema1159]

Matimba Mabunda thank you

[@ravenstutz8518]

Une très belle femme

[@efraimevander8243]

Powerful voice, but in the other side so beauty 😊 ..

[@jnava801]

Que cancion tal linda sin enterder los que dice mellega al alma

[@moamin2022]

much love from Sudan

[@refilwemolotsi4440]

I cannot such beauty!!

[@HitschsAlternatives]

Thanks for sharing! Thank you so much! And thanks Miriam for being a part of my life! We'll meet in heaven!

[@fatimah264]

She is just so beautiful! Love this song ❤️

[@brianimanlevymutsapata5495]

Incredibly beautiful

[@MrMielten]

The most beautiful woman I´ve ever seen!

[@ShawnPlusOne]

She is absolutely beautiful and her voice is amazing.

[@pegaturk]

wow thanx 4 upload amazing n sensitive

[@crystallott5735]

My favorite by her such a beautiful song!!!:)

[@sandjous]

Sawing that make me so proud to be a African!!!!!!

[@Shukri-The-Great]

I have no idea what she's saying but it sounds so beautiful

[@martinmkandachuma8846]

I love this my Grandma is xhosa but she is a xhosa through her late mum and I just love xhosa language

[@sfdungeon]

awesome. I love it too. I'm not African but I love the native songs and the story of their preservation. Gratitude for Miriam Makeba xoxo

[@martinmkandachuma8846]

It's breathtaking to listen to her music i

[@NinjamanDon]

Beautiful

[@manishdoshi429]

Epitome of grace....loved..!

[@simbij]

It's sad what music turned out to be, such a beautiful song!

[@bettinahill6433]

Just Beautiful

[@christianbolorinos6450]

OMG I love this

[@KingsleyOseiAbrah]

The way she does it....just...just...flawlesss

[@ahabahshiloh]

Easily one of the most beautiful things...

[@kimberlyparris5655]

yup

[@MultiStanga]

I fell in love with her voice when i was only 5 years old. through my dad whom also is a big fan. RIP Miss Makeba. your sound will bring joy and fullfillment in the world for days to come.

[@shaundeedee]

This indescribable tune is the painting of the events of life mixed with a hope for the future. Some songs are just meant to make us travel in our thoughts and give us a priceless moment. Caps off, Heads down for a world class musician like Miriam Makeba.

[@blessed4areason]

One of my absolute favorites!!!

[@agustorettig4828]

Hermosa lá cantante, Miriam Makeba, estaba en todo su esplendor.

[@megan4975]

love her!

[@MrMidnightSpecialist]

This is very inspirational, positive, AND HAPPY!!!!!!! Thank you for uploading this. - From Austin, Texas, United States of America!!!!

[@mapsan1]

...a simple big thanks -so great to listen to a heroe singer...

[@Phiiphayden]

wonderful - amazing - incredible- brilliant - powerful

[@spiritualfireproductions1991]

Great song and she's a legend. Let her rest in peace

[@selamab7607]

Hmm beautiful !!

[@rovingeye5]

brings tears to my eyes! beautiful song, beautiful voice, beautiful woman!

[@rosembaye481]

beautiful lady....

[@Nicolebedine]

wooohhh! we share the same birthday,

[@tinkone1]

Dios mio que temazo tan hermoso y transcendentaL

[@carolinenemabiama1725]

quelle joie de chanter !

[@daviancecuffee6348]

love this song

[@tomasmario6770]

Can't watch this without smiling. great song better than many actual songs even with high tech

[@ahabahshiloh]

wow the way she is singing this song makes me believe she is explaining the most beautiful tale! :)

[@Sargebri]

Mama Africa. RIP Miriam.

[@miaamor6513]

I grew up listening to Miriam Makeba, I love her songs and they are so uplifting. RIP MaMa. Siyakukhumbula kakhulu

[@jeanmariebaraka4550]

I don understand this song but I like her voice

[@hermaneteme5934]

that's my best song coming for her....very simple and ariginal..... for ever

[@deondremoreira12]

so beautiful

[@Jaep2244]

me encanta... que gran mujer..

[@vikygoglia4974]

La sua voce evoca dolci ricordi

[@afilordi]

wonderfull!!!!!

[@ashantiashani2588]

oooh beautiful

[@Bobbable59]

Beautiful!

[@AL-mv1io]

Belíssima performance: voz, rítmo, estilo! Viva Miriam Makeba! Salve Mama África!

[@melikhayaapril2408]

The monitor lizards in an argument They are in a heated debate They are puzzled by a dilemma Then (all of a sudden) a Khoi person Got caught in the middle (of the matter) Each was bribing him With a piece of kudu meat

[@chakrabortyindranil6326]

How anyone could dislike this?????

[@NickyD2012]

that explain the world we are living in, haters are always there. Just grow pass them

[@rona.004]

awesome ❤❤

[@nzuadematospange6546]

Essa senhora canta e encanta Angola agradece os nossos irmãos Sul africanos Que sempre engradeceram a cuitura do nosso continente

[@noraraquelnieto6279]

Gracias por tanta información. Hermosa música, hermosa vida. Gracias

[@kelvinwilson9217]

Amazing

[@felixk6885]

Watching this in 2017.