Miriam Makeba

4 March 1932 – 9 November 2008

Miriam Makeba, known as 'Mama Africa,' was a South African singer and civil rights activist who brought African music to global audiences. An outspoken opponent of apartheid, she was exiled from South Africa for decades and became a symbol of resistance, winning international acclaim including a Grammy Award.

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Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Miriam Makeba.

Life events

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa
4 March 1932

She was born in the Prospect township near Johannesburg.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Joined the Manhattan Brothers
1954

She began her professional singing career touring with the popular South African group.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Appeared in the anti-apartheid film Come Back, Africa
1959

Her appearance in the documentary brought her international attention.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Exiled from South Africa
1960

Her passport was revoked by the apartheid government, beginning decades of exile.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relocation ✓
Won a Grammy Award with Harry Belafonte
1966

Their album An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba won the Grammy for Best Folk Recording.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Married Stokely Carmichael
1968

Her marriage to the Black Power activist led to backlash and the cancellation of US bookings.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relationship ✓
Participated in Paul Simon's Graceland tour
1987

She joined the acclaimed international tour supporting the Graceland album.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Returned to South Africa
1990

She returned home after Nelson Mandela's release and the easing of apartheid restrictions.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relocation ✓
Died in Castel Volturno, Italy
9 November 2008

She suffered a fatal heart attack after performing at a concert against organized crime.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓