MIRIAM MAKEBA DIES AT 76 COLLAPSES ON STAGE R.I.P. MAMA AFRICA

We mourn the loss of South African singer Miriam Makeba who died at 76. The world lost a musical icon and political activist who fought against the segregation and prejudice of apartheid. We will miss you Mama Africa. Rest in Peace. 

South African singing legend Miriam Makeba has died aged 76, after being taken ill in Italy.

She had just taken part in a concert near the southern town of Caserta and died of a heart attack.

Makeba, known as "Mama Africa", spent more than 30 years in exile after lending her support to the anti-apartheid struggle.

She appeared on Paul Simon's Graceland tour in 1987 and in 1992 had a leading role in the film Sarafina!

Passport revoked

Makeba, was born in Johannesburg on 4 March 1932 and was a leading symbol in the struggle against apartheid. source

Miriam Makeba "MAMA AFRICA" Dies

Watch a BBC Report on her death and a live performance video of her famous song Pata Pata with it's original comment posted on youtube.

Today monday 10 November 2008 we mourn the death of Miriam Makeba. Hamba Kahle Mama Africa!

I was fortunate and very privileged to have had a chance to see her in concert in Holland just a few days ago, last wednesday evening in Tilburg and last friday in Amsterdam. She was at her very best and will be greatly missed. As a son of South Africans living in exile during the dark days of apartheid i grew up with her music.

In this clip, which i first posted 2 years ago, Miriam Makeba sings her most famous song Pata Pata during a performance in the VARA TV-studios in Holland, 1979. Joining her on stage towards the end of the song is her granddaughter Zenzi. Zenzi's mother (the late Bongi Makeba) is one of the backing vocalists (in the blue dress).