Today in history: Miriam Makeba dies
Makeba built her reputation in the music industry in the 1950s when she sang for the Cuban Brothers, the Manhattan Brothers and the Skylarks.
South African singer Miriam Makeba died on 9 November 2008 at the age of 76.
Makeba built her reputation in the music industry in the 1950s when she sang for the Cuban Brothers, the Manhattan Brothers and the Skylarks.
Nicknamed ‘Mama Africa’, or the ‘Empress of African Song’, Makeba’s music transcended South African borders and entered the global stage.
Makeba lived in numerous countries such as the United States of America, France, Guinea and Belgium.
In 2005, Makeba announced her retirement from the mainstream music industry but she continued to make appearances and to do smaller performances.
Makeba died while performing in a concert organised for Roberto Saviano, an Italian writer who received death threats from the Mafia after he had exposed their underground dealings.
Information sourced from: South African History Online.
