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
Iya Guduza
Miriam Makeba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Iyaguduz'indod'umfaz'usesilungwini
Iyaguduz'indod'isele yodw'endlini
Iyaguduz'indod'umfaz'usesilungwini
Iyaguduza ihem
Ifun'imali ihem
Ayisebenzi lendod'isele yodw'endlini
Iyaguduza ihem
Ifun'imali ihem
Ayisebenzi lendod'isele yodw'endlini
Ingan'azikho ekhaya ziyokwethez'iinkuni
Iyaguduza lendod'isele yodw'endlini
Ingan'azikho ekhaya ziyokwethez'iinkuni
Iyaguduza lendod'isele yodw'endlini
Iyaguduza ihem
Ifun'imali iyem
Ayisebenzi lendod'isele yodw'endlini
Iyaguduza ihem
Ifun'imali ihem
Ayisebenzi lendod'isele yodw'endlini
Iyaguduz'indod'isele yodw'endlini
Iyaguduz'indod'umfaz'usesilungwini
Iyaguduz'indod'isele yodw'endlini
Iyaguduz'indod'umfaz'usesilungwini
Iyaguduza ihem
Ifun'imali iyem
Ayisebenzi lendod'isele yodw'endlini
Iyaguduza ihem
Ifun'imali iyem
Ayisebenzi lendod'isele yodw'endlini
Ingan'azikho ekhaya ziyokwethez'iinkuni
Iyaguduza lendod'isele yodw'endlini
The lyrics to Miriam Makeba's song "Iya Guduza" explore the struggles and hardships faced by a male and female character living in poverty in South Africa. The first verse describes the male character as being trapped in his own home, unable to support himself financially. The next verse introduces the female character, who is also unable to support herself and is forced to live in a shack. The following verses repeat the same theme, with the characters longing for money and the ability to work, but being unable to due to their current circumstances.
The chorus of the song, "Iyaguduza ihem, ifun'imali ihem, ayisebenzi lendod'isele yodw'endlini" repeats throughout, emphasizing the characters' desperation for money and work. The final verse shows the frustration and futility of their situations, with the lyrics "Ingan'azikho ekhaya ziyokwethez'iinkuni" meaning "there's nothing at home, everything's burnt down".
Overall, "Iya Guduza" paints a vivid picture of the poverty and struggle present in South Africa during the time of apartheid. Through its lyrics, the song brings attention to the social and economic injustices faced by many South African citizens.
Line by Line Meaning
Iyaguduz'indod'isele yodw'endlini
A woman has beaten up her husband, he's hiding in the house
Iyaguduz'indod'umfaz'usesilungwini
A woman has beaten up her husband, he's hiding in the reeds
Iyaguduza ihem
She is lamenting loudly
Ifun'imali ihem
She needs money badly
Ayisebenzi lendod'isele yodw'endlini
Her husband, who is hiding in their house, doesn't work
Ingan'azikho ekhaya ziyokwethez'iinkuni
There's nothing to eat at home, everything's been burnt to ashes
Iyaguduza lendod'isele yodw'endlini
She is lamenting loudly for her husband, who is hiding in their house
Ifun'imali iyem
She needs money badly
Ayisebenzi lendod'isele yodw'endlini
Her husband, who is hiding in their house, doesn't work
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: C.C. CARTER, ROSEMARY PRIMONT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@memorymalunga670
This lady was regal right into her twilight years. Pure royalty!♥️
@channakumararathne9149
God bless pretty mama Africa.prity small. This small comment from your Hart.real small.god bless mama.
@gideonblacks8549
We sha remember u everyday MAMA AFRICA AYEKOO 🌹🌹🌹 my high remodel in music
@tutulamtoba6252
Ever beautiful,sang beautifully am Xhosa ,love her Xhosa songs and all her music ❤❤❤😘
@ntatemohlomi2884
Very sad, nostalgic soothing ultimately uplifting song.
@oupamodikeng3240
Humanitarian Makeba
Long live
@ThulaneMahlalela-vn5jg
I like it mama
@tutulamtoba6252
Oh mama,love you so may you rest in eternal peace.
@logicadalogica313
Somos imagem semelhança da Honestidade Pureza Justiça Verdade Força Ânimo Coragem Capacidade Saúde Entendimento Liberdade Poder Alegria Perfeição. Toda beleza do ser humano. Basta usar.
@maudeneyarber9997
New video never seen this but have heard the song before Nice!