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
Amaliya
Miriam Makeba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You will realise, then you will go Amaliya not a baby no Amaliya don? t you see Amaliya you are a woman So divine Ayo senga so Ayo wo Ayo senga so Woyaye My love in the night Sail away far away It? s with yesterday? s true wisdom You will conquer, you? ll break away Amaliya not a baby no Amaliya don? t you see Amaliya you are a woman So divine Ayo senga so Ayo wo Ayo senga so Woyaye Don? t you know how beautiful you are You? re divine You are a woman You? re divine Amaliya
The lyrics to Miriam Makeba's song "Amaliya" are an empowering message to a young girl named Amaliya. The song starts by comparing Amaliya's journey to a footstep in the snow, representing the beginning of a new chapter. The next line, "Like a mountain lights the sky light," is a metaphor for the impact that Amaliya will have on the world around her. The chorus then reminds Amaliya that she is no longer a baby but a woman, divine and powerful.
The song continues with encouragement for Amaliya, telling her that she will conquer and break away from her current situation. The line "My love in the night, sail away, far away" suggests that Amaliya should not be afraid to venture out into the world to pursue her dreams. Emphasis is placed once again on Amaliya's divine nature and beauty, with the repeated line "You're divine, you are a woman."
Overall, the song's message is one of empowerment and encouragement for Amaliya to pursue her dreams and embrace her divine nature. It is a tribute to the strength and power of women, particularly those who are just beginning to discover their own potential.
Line by Line Meaning
Somehow in the way
In a mysterious and subtle manner
Like a footstep in the snow
Similar to a footprint left in the snow, easily seen yet easily erased
Like a mountain lights the sky light
Like how a mountain brightens up its surroundings, providing a sense of awe and wonder
You will realise, then you will go
You will come to an understanding, and then act on it
Amaliya not a baby no
Amaliya is not a child anymore
Amaliya don? t you see
Amaliya, can't you see for yourself
Amaliya you are a woman
Amaliya has grown into a mature and wise adult
So divine Ayo senga so Ayo wo Ayo senga so Woyaye
Expressing admiration and reverence for Amaliya's beauty and grace
My love in the night
The artist's affection and admiration for Amaliya, especially during difficult times
Sail away far away
To leave a difficult or unpleasant situation behind, to create distance and perspective
It? s with yesterday? s true wisdom
Drawing from past experiences and lessons to navigate the present and future
You will conquer, you? ll break away
You will succeed and overcome any obstacles in your path
Don? t you know how beautiful you are
Implying that Amaliya may not understand her own worth and beauty
You? re divine You are a woman
Reinforcing the idea that Amaliya is a majestic, powerful being who has come into her own
Amaliya
Addressing or calling out to Amaliya directly, as a statement of admiration and respect
Writer(s): LOKUA KANZA, SUSSER CATHERINE
Contributed by Emily O. 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.