Miriam Makeba was a South African singer, songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist who was forced to work as a child after her father died. At the age of 17, Makeba had a brief and allegedly abusive first marriage, gave birth to her only child in 1950, and survived breast cancer.
Makeba’s vocal talent was recognized as a child, and she began singing professionally in the 1950s, with the Cuban Brothers, the Manhattan Brothers, and an all-woman group called the Skylarks, who performed a mix of jazz, traditional African melodies, and Western popular music.
In London, Makeba met Harry Belafonte, an American singer who became a mentor and colleague. She relocated to New York City, where she quickly became popular, and released her first solo album in 1960. Makeba’s attempt to return to South Africa for her mother’s funeral that year was thwarted by the country’s government.
Is Miriam Makeba xhosa?
Yes, Miriam Makeba’s was born to Swazi and Xhosa parents.
