# Miriam Makeba

> South African singer and civil rights activist (1932–2008)

**Wikidata**: [Q146256](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q146256)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miriam_Makeba)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/miriam-makeba

## Summary
Miriam Makeba was a South African singer and civil rights activist (1932–2008), known for her powerful voice and advocacy for human rights and social justice. She became one of Africa's most celebrated artists, blending traditional African music with global genres like jazz and rock, while using her platform to challenge apartheid and promote unity.

## Biography
- Born: March 4, 1932, in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Known for: Pioneering African popular music, activism against apartheid, and cultural diplomacy
- Employer(s): RCA Victor, Mercury Records, Reprise Records, Philips Records
- Field(s): Music, civil rights, cultural activism

## Contributions
- **Music Career**: Released over 30 albums, including *Pata Pata* (1961) and *The Spirit of Miriam Makeba* (1968), blending African rhythms with jazz and rock influences.
- **Activism**: Advocated for anti-apartheid causes, performing at international events to raise awareness for human rights.
- **Cultural Legacy**: Helped popularize African music globally, influencing generations of artists and shaping South African cultural identity.

## FAQs
**What genres of music did Miriam Makeba perform?**
Miriam Makeba performed in genres including marabi, jazz, rock, and world music, blending traditional African rhythms with global influences.

**Where did Miriam Makeba record her music?**
She recorded with major international labels such as RCA Victor, Mercury Records, Reprise Records, and Philips Records, releasing over 30 albums.

**What awards did Miriam Makeba receive?**
She won prestigious awards including the Polar Music Prize (1989), the Otto Hahn Peace Medal, and the Order of Ikhamanga, recognizing her contributions to music and peace.

**How did Miriam Makeba use her music for activism?**
She performed at international events, including the 1985 Live Aid concert, to advocate against apartheid and promote human rights.

## Why They Matter
Miriam Makeba mattered as a cultural bridge between Africa and the global music scene, using her artistry to challenge apartheid and advocate for social justice. Her music transcended borders, inspiring artists worldwide and preserving African cultural heritage. Her activism and performances at major events like Live Aid amplified anti-apartheid voices, influencing political and social movements. Her legacy endures through her recordings, which remain influential in African and world music, and her advocacy, which continues to inspire movements for human rights and unity.

## Notable For
- First South African artist to achieve international acclaim in the 1960s
- Pioneer of African popular music, blending marabi, jazz, and rock
- Advocate for anti-apartheid causes, performing at Live Aid (1985)
- Recipient of the Polar Music Prize (1989) and Otto Hahn Peace Medal
- Cultural ambassador for South Africa, promoting African music globally

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Miriam Makeba was born on March 4, 1932, in Johannesburg, South Africa, into a family of musicians. She began singing in church choirs and local events, developing her distinctive voice and stage presence. In the 1950s, she joined the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as a singer, performing in genres including marabi, jazz, and traditional African music. Her early career was marked by performances at venues like the Johannesburg Town Hall and the Royal Albert Hall in London, where she gained international recognition.

### Rise to International Fame
In the 1960s, Miriam Makeba signed with RCA Victor and released her debut album, *Pata Pata* (1961), which blended African rhythms with jazz and rock influences. The album became a global success, introducing African music to Western audiences. She continued to tour internationally, performing at major venues and festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival. Her collaborations with artists like Harry Belafonte and Dizzy Gillespie further expanded her reach.

### Activism and Social Justice
Miriam Makeba used her platform to advocate for human rights and social justice. She performed at the 1985 Live Aid concert in London, where her rendition of "Pata Pata" drew international attention to the anti-apartheid movement. She also supported causes such as the anti-apartheid boycott and performed at benefit concerts for refugees and victims of apartheid. Her activism earned her respect and admiration from both African and international audiences.

### Awards and Recognition
Miriam Makeba received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to music and activism. In 1989, she was awarded the Polar Music Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the music industry. She also received the Otto Hahn Peace Medal from Germany and the Order of Ikhamanga from South Africa. Her achievements were recognized by institutions like Spelman College, which awarded her an honorary degree.

### Later Career and Legacy
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Miriam Makeba continued to perform and record, releasing albums like *The Spirit of Miriam Makeba* (1968) and *Mama Africa* (1999). She toured extensively, including performances at the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. Her music and activism left a lasting impact on African and world music, inspiring generations of artists and activists. Miriam Makeba passed away on November 9, 2008, but her legacy continues to influence music and culture globally.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
3. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/makeba-miriam-1932-2008/)
4. BnF authorities
5. Dictionary of African Biography
6. AllMusic
7. Présence Compositrices
8. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
9. [Source](https://dgvn.berlin/2017/03/01/verleihung-der-otto-hahn-friedensmedaille/)
10. [Source](https://www.spelman.edu/docs/honorary-degrees/honorary-degree-recipients---1977-present---as-of-november-2022---revised-(012023).pdf?sfvrsn=f4347e51_2)
11. [Source](https://www.news24.com/news24/not-easy-to-build-united-nation-20091211)
12. International Standard Name Identifier
13. MusicBrainz
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. CiNii Research
16. SNAC
17. Internet Broadway Database
18. Find a Grave
19. filmportal.de
20. FemBio database
21. Nederlandse Top 40
22. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
23. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
24. [Source](http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/newartist.htm)
25. BBC Things
26. ISWC Network
27. Google Knowledge Graph
28. LIBRIS. 2013
29. Golden
30. Europeana
31. YouTube API
32. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data