Miriam Makeba used her voice to entertain, but also to give a voice to millions of oppressed fellow South Africans who suffered as a result of apartheid. The price she had to pay for her actions was high, namely her South African citizenship. After she appeared, in 1960, in the an anti-apartheid documentary Come Back, Africa, the South African regime banned her from returning to her home country and took away her citizenship.
This event didn't stop her from continuing to raise her voice against the apartheid regime. Between 1964 and 1975, as a United Nations delegate of Guinea where she was granted asylum, Miriam Makeba addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations regularly on the tragic developments in South Africa.
Meanwhile she carried on singing, a process in which she put South African music on the map. Over the years Makeba worked with artists as Joe Sample, Stix Hooper, Arthur Adams, and David T. Walker of The Crusaders. In the late 1980's she joined Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo during their world-wide Graceland tour and in 1990 she worked with Odetta and Nina Simone for the One Nation tour.
Following Nelson Mandela's release from prison, the citizen of the world Makeba returned to South Africa in December 1990; more than thirty years after she went in exile. In April 1991 she performed her first concert in her homeland in three decades.
The years after were busy ones for Makeba. She starred in the South African award-winning musical Sarafina! , about the 1976 Soweto youth uprisings, playing the role of the title character's mother. She then reunited with her first husband, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, for the Tour Of Hope. She also performed at the Vatican's Nevi Hall during the world-wide broadcasted show, Christmas In The Vatican. In 2000 Makeba released the grammy-nominated Homeland, her first studio album in a decade. In 2002 she shared the Polar Music Prize with Sofia Gubaidulina, in recognition of her exceptional achievements in the creation and advancement of music.
After her return to South Africa Miriam Makeba recorded over ten albums. In 2004, at the age of 72, she relased Reflections honoring the tenth anniversary of the end of apartheid in South Africa. In that same year Makeba was voted 38th in the Top 100 Great South Africans. She also started a 14 month worldwide farwell tour in 2005, holding concerts in all countries she had visited during her life.
With an impressive career spanning more than four decades Miriam Makeba is, indeed, one of the most respected, loved and cherished treasures in (South) Africa.
On the early morning of 10th of November 2008 she died at the age of 76 after being taken ill near the southern Italian town of Caserta, after performing at a concert against organized crime.
Source: Miriam Makeba, A true South African musical Legend
Discography on last.fm
External links:
Official website
Unofficial website
Movie database
A Luta Continua
Miriam Makeba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And answer the call of the drum
Frelimo, frelimo,
Samora machel, samora machel has come.
Maputo, maputo home of the brave
Our nation will soon be as one.
Frelimo, frelimo,
Mozambique a luta continua
A luta continua, continua, continua.
(4 times)
And to those who have given their lives
Praises to thee
Husband and wives, all thy children
Shall reap what you sow
This continent is home.
My brothers and sisters stand up and sing,
Eduardo mondlane is not gone
Frelimo, flrelimo, your eternal flame
Has shown us the light of dawn
Mozambique a luta continua
A luta continua, continua, continua
In Zimbabwe a luta continua
A luta continua, continua, continua
In Botswana a luta continua
A luta continua, continua, continua
In Zambia a luta continua
A luta continua, continua, continua
In Angola a luta continua
A luta continua, continua, continua
In Namibia a luta continua
A luta continua, continua, continua
In South africa a luta continua
A luta continua, continua, continua
The song "A Luta Continua" by Miriam Makeba is a powerful call to action for the people of Mozambique to continue fighting for their freedom and unity. The first verse tells the people to open their eyes and respond to the call of the drum, a symbol of the rallying cry for revolution. Frelimo, the Mozambique Liberation Front, and its leader Samora Machel are mentioned as the forces that have come to lead the fight for unity in Mozambique.
The chorus "Mozambique a luta continua" means "Mozambique the struggle continues" and is repeated four times throughout the song. This highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom and unity in Mozambique and throughout the continent. The song also pays tribute to those who have given their lives for the cause, with praises to husbands, wives, and children who will reap the rewards of their sacrifices.
The song then spreads the call for solidarity to neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. The mention of these countries shows that the struggle is not just confined to Mozambique but extends across the continent. The reference to Eduardo Mondlane, the founder of Frelimo who was assassinated, is a reminder of the sacrifices made to achieve freedom and unity.
Overall, "A Luta Continua" is a powerful anthem of unity and solidarity for the people of Mozambique and the wider African continent, urging them to continue the fight for freedom, justice, and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
My people, my people open your eyes
I urge my fellow citizens to be alert and aware of the current situation.
And answer the call of the drum
Be ready to take action as the beat of the drum is a sign of upcoming events.
Frelimo, frelimo, Samora machel, samora machel has come.
Frelimo and Samora Machel are here as symbols of change and liberation.
Maputo, maputo home of the brave
Maputo is where the courageous people reside.
Our nation will soon be as one.
The country will eventually unite under one flag and one purpose.
Frelimo, frelimo, Samora machel, samora machel has won.
Frelimo and Samora Machel have overcome their opposition.
Mozambique a luta continua...
The struggle in Mozambique continues on and on and on.
And to those who have given their lives
We acknowledge and honor those who have lost their lives in this fight.
Praises to thee husband and wives, all thy children shall reap what you sow
May your families receive blessings and rewards for your sacrifice.
This continent is home.
We are all Africans, and we should work together towards our common goal.
My brothers and sisters stand up and sing, Eduardo mondlane is not gone
Let us celebrate and honor the legacy of Eduardo Mondlane.
Frelimo, flrelimo, your eternal flame has shown us the light of dawn
Frelimo's everlasting spirit is what gives us hope for a brighter future.
In Zimbabwe a luta continua...
The struggle in Zimbabwe is ongoing, and we must continue to fight.
In Botswana a luta continua...
The fight for liberation in Botswana continues.
In Zambia a luta continua...
The struggle for freedom in Zambia continues.
In Angola a luta continua...
The fight for independence in Angola persists.
In Namibia a luta continua...
The ongoing struggle for freedom and equality in Namibia continues.
In South africa a luta continua...
The fight against apartheid and inequality in South Africa continues.
Contributed by Brooklyn B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mfundo Piti
on To Those We Love (Nongqongqo)
At the time the song was composed and released all the people mentioned ((Mangaliso) Sobukhwe, (Albert) Luthuli, (Nelson) Mandela, and (Walter) Sisulu were alive. While the three were in prison at Robben Island, Luthuli was not in prison, hence the question to Luthuli asking what "will you do?". Luthuli was the president of the banned African National Congress (ANC). Sobukhwe the president of Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). Mandela and Sisulu occupied executive leadership positions within the ANC at the time of their sentencing to serve life sentences in prison (1964). The same question is asked to all Africans.
Mfundo Piti
on To Those We Love (Nongqongqo)
The lyrics of "To Those We Love" by Miriam Makeba are about the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of great African leaders who fought for freedom, justice, and equality. The repetitive chorus, "Bahleli bonke entilongweni, Bahleli bonke kwaNongqongqo" refers to how all these leaders, including Sobukwe, Luthuli, Mandela, and Sisulu, are resting in peace or buried in their respective homes. The verses pose questions about their legacy and the continuation of their work, asking "Why, Baba Luthuli? What will you do?" and "What will happen to us, MaAfrica?" These questions are a call to action for listeners to carry on the struggle for freedom and justice.
Junior
on Soweto Blues
The melancholy in her voice
Junior
on Mama
It makes me cry I could not bury my mother cause I was in prison when I ask prison authorities to allow me an opportunity to go and attend the funeral they refused. We always underestimate the role of women
no
on Beware, Verwoerd! (Ndodemnyama)
no
hi! i enjoted. this song. i loved it
Matt Olomu
on Noweva
This is your challenge, South Africans who understand the lyrics of NOWEVER. Do yourselves and Africa a favour. Interpret it.