Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
Miriam Makeba: The Voice Of 'World Music'
Listen
0:00
SCOTT SIMON, host:
Africa and the world grieved earlier this year when Miriam Makeba died. She was 76 and created world music before the term was used. She was born in Johannesburg but left for Britain because in the days of apartheid, black singers could not keep the money they earned. She tried to return to South Africa for her mother's funeral in 1960 but was refused entry. Miriam Makeba lived in exile for the next 30 years but was made an honorary citizen of 10 different countries and campaigned tirelessly against apartheid, becoming one of the voices of Africa and of conscience.
She returned to South Africa in 1990 at the personal request of Nelson Mandela. No matter where she sang around the world - and she died while singing at an anti-organized crime rally in Italy - Miriam Makeba was known around the world as Mamma Africa. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
