Mama Africa at Tribeca

Nearly two and half years after her sudden death, South Africa's Miriam Makeba ('Mama Africa') will be brought to a wide audience in Tribeca through a documentary by Mika Kaurismäki, titled Mama Africa (2011).

The legendary Makeba left her indelible mark on 20th century music. Mama Africa was born in 1932 in Johannesburg and began singing in her teens. In the 1950s, she sang with the South African band the Manhattan Brothers. As an activist and widely-known singer, she had fans and followers throughout the world. She had also known both triumph and tragedy in her life.

In 1963, Makeba spoke at the United Nations against the apartheid regime of South Africa which prompted the regime to revoke her citizenship. Unable to return home, Mama Africa continued to sing and delight audiences the world over.

And in 1985, her only daughter, Bongi Makeba, died during childbirth. Shortly afterward, Mama Africa settled in Brussels.

In a career that spanned more than a half century, Mama Africa released 23 studio albums, numerous studio and compilation albums, and over 15 singles. She is especially known for the worldwide hit, Pata Pata, which she first recorded in 1957 and released in the United States in 1967. Her numerous awards over the decades included Grammys. Mama Africa also toured with the likes of Harry Belafonte and Paul Simon.

Tragically, this was the very song she was singing in Italy when she collapsed of a heart attack, dying later that evening.

Mama Africa's distinctive, powerful voice complemented her beautiful, resilient spirit.