Miriam Makeba
Reflections
Heads Up, June 22

A new album by the legendary Miriam Makeba is always news, and this upcoming release is her first new one in four years. The venerated "Mama Afrika" has long been a strong presence on the world music scene. And though the days of her boldest political activism--when she was exiled from her native South Africa for speaking publicly about the reality of apartheid--are over, the passion for the music and her native tongue are still there. Expect to hear Makeba in fine voice on this newest album, which includes songs written by countryman Hugh Masekela, Jorge Ben and Van Morrison. She also does a version of the Brazilian bossa nova classic "Mas Que Nada" in Portuguese. Now that's an intriguing combination. (L.S.)