Miriam Makeba
Mama Africa
The voice of a continent - Miriam Makeba's story as a political activist and legendary performer.Filmmaker Mika Kaurismäki joins Amanda Palmer, Al Jazeera's head of entertainment, on The Fabulous Picture Show's Q&A to discuss the music, activism and legacy of the inimitable Miriam "Zenzi" Makeba, whose singing career took her from the townships of South Africa to the biggest musical arenas in the world. It was a journey that moved her fans to name her "Mama Africa: the voice of a continent".
Forced into political exile for performing in an anti-apartheid film, young Miriam moved to New York where she was soon discovered by musical impresario Harry Belafonte.
He introduced the US to Makeba's stunning voice, and with hits such as Pata Pata and The Click Song, she skyrocketed to international success.
A vociferous opponent of South Africa's apartheid government, and the bride of Black Panther, Stokely Carmichael, Makeba would become known to the world as much for her political activism as for her captivating vocal talent.
Acclaimed director Mika Kaurismäki's film combines astounding archive footage from across five decades, and interviews with those closest to the legendary performer.