Miriam Makeba lives
This morning I awoke to the news of the tragic death of Mama Africa
Mama Miriam Makeba. To many Africans in the Diaspora, Miriam Makeba
was the voice of South Africa . Having accomplished so much as a
vocalist, she went further to be the ambassador of the people of South
Africa to the world. She helped bring vivid details of the beauty of
the South Africa and its people and at the same time present the
horrors of apartheid.
Working and living in the Black liberation movement, I along with many
others participated in the anti apartheid movement. I spent many years
on marches, rallies, boycotts, and other activities. The Music of
Miriam Makeba and her ex husband Hugh Masekela will forever be the
soundtrack of that struggle. This music was our news reports on the
lives taken as well as the victories won in the anti-apartheid
struggle. Their music made the names Mandela, Sizulu, Biko, Tambo,
etc come to life for those of us across the waters. The theaters that
she performed in became transformed to meetings for people to share
and update each other on the movement to free South Africa .
Culture has always been central to the lives of African people. The
marriage of culture and movement were clearly essential and effective
in the struggle to end apartheid. Mama Africa's role in creating this
environment must never be forgotten. The boycotts were effective
because the word got out. The calls for the release of Mandela were
effective because the word got out; one of the carriers of the word
was Mama Africa. She managed to spread the word with clarity and
power without preaching.
Her voice, grace, beauty, vision, strength and commitment will live
on. I feel honored to have been moved by the life of Miriam Makeba
and thank the creator for allowing her to share her talent and vision
with us. We have much to learn from her life. As many African
traditions teach us, her spirit is now stronger than ever. Lets
Celebrate Mama Africa.
In the words of freedom fighter Sekou Odinga "If you are a poet make
revolutionary poetry, if you are an artist, create revolutionary art!"
Long Live the struggle for a truly free and Independent Azania
Long Live Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba
by Lumumba Akinwole-Bandele
Return to Davey D's Hip Hop Corner
This morning I awoke to the news of the tragic death of Mama Africa
Mama Miriam Makeba. To many Africans in the Diaspora, Miriam Makeba
was the voice of South Africa . Having accomplished so much as a
vocalist, she went further to be the ambassador of the people of South
Africa to the world. She helped bring vivid details of the beauty of
the South Africa and its people and at the same time present the
horrors of apartheid.
Working and living in the Black liberation movement, I along with many
others participated in the anti apartheid movement. I spent many years
on marches, rallies, boycotts, and other activities. The Music of
Miriam Makeba and her ex husband Hugh Masekela will forever be the
soundtrack of that struggle. This music was our news reports on the
lives taken as well as the victories won in the anti-apartheid
struggle. Their music made the names Mandela, Sizulu, Biko, Tambo,
etc come to life for those of us across the waters. The theaters that
she performed in became transformed to meetings for people to share
and update each other on the movement to free South Africa .
Culture has always been central to the lives of African people. The
marriage of culture and movement were clearly essential and effective
in the struggle to end apartheid. Mama Africa's role in creating this
environment must never be forgotten. The boycotts were effective
because the word got out. The calls for the release of Mandela were
effective because the word got out; one of the carriers of the word
was Mama Africa. She managed to spread the word with clarity and
power without preaching.
Her voice, grace, beauty, vision, strength and commitment will live
on. I feel honored to have been moved by the life of Miriam Makeba
and thank the creator for allowing her to share her talent and vision
with us. We have much to learn from her life. As many African
traditions teach us, her spirit is now stronger than ever. Lets
Celebrate Mama Africa.
In the words of freedom fighter Sekou Odinga "If you are a poet make
revolutionary poetry, if you are an artist, create revolutionary art!"
Long Live the struggle for a truly free and Independent Azania
Long Live Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba
by Lumumba Akinwole-Bandele
Return to Davey D's Hip Hop Corner
