Mama Africa: Miriam Makeba

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DVD / video

Title:	Mama Africa: Miriam Makeba
Editors:	Kaurismäki, Mika Makeba, Miriam
Year:	2012
Language:	English
Publisher:	Matchbox Films
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	musicians singing popular music documentary films (form) videos (form)
About person:	Miriam Makeba (1932-2008)
External link:	http://youtu.be/ceY6Bx_j6X4
Abstract:	Documentary about the life of the South African singer Miriam Makeba, who was the first black, African musician to win international stardom. Her music influenced artists across the globe, although her style stayed anchored in her South African roots. She sang for John F. Kennedy, performed with Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone and Dizzie Gillespie. Makeba was also a vocal campaigner against apartheid, and always stood for truth and justice. After her involvement with the 1959 documentary 'Come back Africa' (one of the first films to expose the harsh realities of apartheid, by Lionel Rogosin) she was forced into a life in exile from her homeland. This documentary traces her life and music through more than fifty years of performing. Friends and colleagues, some who knew her from the beginning, in the dance halls of South Africa, together with her grandchildren, allow us to know the remarkable journey of Mama Africa. [Abstract reproduced from dvd-video]