Miriam Makeba- Grand finale
May 22nd, 2006 . by Sandra
Last saturday I got to see one of my childhood hero’s, the South African singer Miriam Makeba. I never thought I’d someday have the opportunity to see her perform live let alone in Iceland of all places. I discovered her when I was around six years old while exploring my dad’s old records. I remember instantly falling in love her amazing voice begging my dad to explain for me the english translation of the lyrics.
I didn’t really think she’d still be preforming being 74 years old and all. But she was amazing and her voice was as powerful as ever. I haven’t really listen to any of her new cd’s, I’m more of a fan of the music she recorded around 1950-1970. And she preformed a lot of her old hits like Pata Pata and Malaika which my sister and my 2 cousins sung so beautifully for me at my graduation. Anyway I had a great time and felt very privileged to have the chance to see her. What an amazing woman!
Sandra: thanks for the tip. Her voice is unreal!! you mentioned you prefered her earlier stuff, which albums do you recommend?
Jorge:
I’m glad to hear that you like her too. I first fell in love with her on the album she did with Harry Belafonte in 1965, called “An Evening with Belafonte/ Makeba”. So I have to say that its still my favorite album with her. For some reason I prefer her songs where she sings in Zulu or Xhosa rather than english or french. Check out these sites for more info:
http://www.akh.se/makeba/lsp3420.htm
http://www.global-mojo.com/specialsite/makeba/pdf/disco.pdf
I can still remember as it was yesterday a voice blaring from the Radio in East Africa, ‘ Malaika’ was the tune that was most liked in my country of origin , Tanzania, Miriam blew the song to international status: I grew hearing it and till today . I occasionally sing the song at parties and wedding and other ceremonies ;
If they was any musical equivalent of a Nobel Prize,then Miriam Makeba is the first in this category of rare achevements.