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CD Review
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1340 Mag, CD Review >>
South African musical legend Miriam Makeba, known as "Mama Afrika" around the world, was born in 1932 in Johannesburg. She first came to the public's attention when she joined the Manhattan Brothers, then later in her own female group the Skylarks. In 1963 Makeba testified about South African apartheid before the United Nations and her music was banned in her native land and her citizenship was revoked. Harry Belefonte helped her immigrate to the United States. They later received a Grammy for their recording An Evening with Belefonte/Makeba. In the late 1980's Makeba toured with Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambozo on the Graceland tour. After Nelson Mandela was released from prison and the system of apartheid collapsed Makeba returned to South Africa in 1990. In 1991 she performed her first concert in 30 years in her homeland.
This CD is a reflection on Makeba's life and work. Most of the tracks are new recordings of songs that she has worked throughout her career. Makeba's grandson Nelson Lumumba Lee helped produce the album and contributes to the musical arrangements and singing on one track. If you are familiar with Makeba's work you should be pleased with the updated arrangements on this recording. Her warmth and enjoyment of singing is as obvious as always.
Miriam Makeba is a South African treasure and they have her back home. But the world gets to share this treasure with this recorded celebration of her return.
Key Track: Pata Pata
06/27/04 >> go there
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