Zenzile Miriam Makeba (1932-2008), also known as Mama Africa, was beyond di… Read Full Bio ↴Zenzile Miriam Makeba (1932-2008), also known as Mama Africa, was beyond dispute one of South Africa's true legends. Born March 4, 1932 in Johannesburg, Miriam Makeba was barely 21 years old when she, as a member of the Manhattan Brothers, reached for the stars in her home country. It didn't take long before Miriam Makeba's career was brought to another level. In 1966 she received a Grammy Award for the album An Evening with Harry Belafonte & Miriam Makeba, making her the first African artist to win a Grammy. Her star rose further when she released her 1967 globally acclaimed Pata Pata, including the worldwide hit "Qongqothwane" (better known as the 'Click Song'). Shortly thereafter she published her autobiography .

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

I phin dlela
Miriam Makeba Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Iph'indlela mama?
Iph'indlela mama?
Iph'indlela, iph'indlela?
Salani mawethu
Sendiyahamba
Ngibheka phesheya
Kwelabamhlophe
Sesiyobonana mama

Mhla ngabuya

Iph'indlela mama?
Iph'indlela?
Iph'indlela mama?
Iph'indlela?
Salani mawethu
Sengiyahamba
Ngibheka phesheya bo
Kwelabamhlophe
Sesiyobonana mama
Mhla ngabuya

Bathi iph'indlela mama?
Iph'indlela mama?
Iyo mama iph'indlela mama
Iyo mama iph'indlela mama
Salani mawethu mama
Sengiyahamba
Ngibheka phesheya bo
Kwelabamhlophe
Sesiyobonana mama
Mhla ngabuya

Iph'indlela mama?
Iph'indlela mama?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Iph'indlela" by Miriam Makeba are written in the Zulu language and the song is about a person who is on a journey and asking for directions. The phrase "Iph'indlela mama" translates literally to "where is the road, mother?" and is repeated throughout the song. Makeba sings about walking along a path in the countryside, looking across the white lands, and seeing her companions in the distance. She asks if anyone knows the way to go and if there is anyone around who can point her in the right direction.

The song is famous for its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, which contrasts with the serious tone of the lyrics. It is often seen as a celebration of African culture and a tribute to the continent's natural beauty. Makeba's powerful voice and emotive delivery add to the song's impact, making it a classic of African music.

Overall, the lyrics of "Iph'indlela" are a metaphor for life's journey and the need for guidance and support along the way. Makeba expresses a sense of longing and uncertainty, but also a determination to keep moving forward and find her way. The song is a testament to the human spirit and the joy of discovery that comes with exploration and adventure.

Line by Line Meaning

Iph'indlela mama?
Mama, what is the way?

Iph'indlela, iph'indlela?
What is the way, what is the way?

Salani mawethu
Stay with me, my brothers

Sendiyahamba
I'm walking

Ngibheka phesheya
I'm looking ahead

Kwelabamhlophe
At the white people's land

Sesiyobonana mama
We'll see each other, Mama

Mhla ngabuya
When I come back

Bathi iph'indlela mama?
They say, 'Mama, what is the way?'

Iph'indlela mama?
Mama, what is the way?

Iph'indlela?
What is the way?