Miriam Makeba went from a local singer to a world-famous musician.

Miriam was born in Johannesburg in 1932. In 1960, she appeared in Come Back Africa, a film about the brutal Apartheid government. She travelled to Italy for the film’s debut. For starring in the film, the South African Government took away her passport and she was unable to return home.

Miriam used this as an opportunity to fight the Apartheid system. She moved to America and her music career took off. She performed for President John F. Kennedy and won a Grammy award. Through her music she became the voice of Africa, performing her hits around the world.

In 1991, Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He invited Miriam back to her home country. She returned to South Africa after 31 years. She stayed active in politics until her death in 2008.

Miriam’s talent and dedication to Africa earned her a place in history.

© ProjectExplorer.org, 2007-present
Text by Kathryn Berk.