Miriam Makeba : NPR

Las Cafeteras released a Spanglish cover of "Georgia On My Mind" in December as the Senate race in Georgia headed to a runoff. Ella Hovsepian/Getty Images hide caption

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Ella Hovsepian/Getty Images

Music That Moves From Despair To Hope

January 8, 2021 • After an upsetting week in the U.S., we offer some music to cope, featuring David Bowie and Miriam Makeba, plus covers by Las Cafeteras and Los Cenzontles.

Beyonce Knowles, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child in 2005. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images hide caption

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Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

The 150 Greatest Albums Made By Women

July 24, 2017 • NPR's list of the greatest albums made by women, from 1964 to the present.

Before The Rumble In The Jungle, Music Rang Out At Zaire 74

South African legend Miriam Makeba performing at Zaire 74. The performances of the African artists on the 1974 music festival's lineup have been unearthed for a new live album. Courtesy of Stewart Levine hide caption

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Courtesy of Stewart Levine

Music Interviews

Before The Rumble In The Jungle, Music Rang Out At Zaire 74

June 14, 2017 • Trumpeter Hugh Masekela and producer Stewart Levine organized the 1974 festival and produced the new album Zaire 74: The African Artists, which captures performances by Miriam Makeba, Franco and more.

Before The Rumble In The Jungle, Music Rang Out At Zaire 74

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Obituaries

Harry Belafonte Remembers Miriam Makeba

November 11, 2008 • Miriam Makeba is a woman whose influence extended far beyond the world of music. Known as "Mama Africa" by her fans, Makeba died this week at age 76. For more, Farai Chideya speaks with Harry Belafonte about the passing of the South African singer.

Harry Belafonte Remembers Miriam Makeba

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Music Interviews

South African Singer Makeba Dies

November 10, 2008 • Miriam Makeba, whose voice gave South Africans hope when the country was gripped by apartheid, has died of a heart attack after collapsing on stage in Italy. She was 76.

South African Singer Makeba Dies

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Music Interviews

South African Singer Miriam Makeba Dies

November 10, 2008 • Grammy award-winning South African singer Miriam Makeba has died. The singer known as "Mama Africa" was a symbol for the anti-apartheid movement. She reportedly suffered a heart attack after performing at an anti-mafia concert Sunday in southern Italy. She was 76.

South African Singer Miriam Makeba Dies

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Music Interviews

Afro-Pop Music Pioneer Miriam Makeba

August 15, 2006 • Miriam Makeba was exiled from her home country for speaking out against apartheid, but that never stopped her from making music. Farai Chideya talks with Makeba in the first of a series on African Music.

Afro-Pop Music Pioneer Miriam Makeba

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Review

Music Reviews

South Africa's Miriam Makeba: 'Reflections'

June 22, 2004 • The artistic Renaissance of singer Mariam Makeba — "Mama Africa" to her millions of fans.

South Africa's Miriam Makeba: 'Reflections'

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