End of era as queen Makeba, 76, takes her last bow

• South African icon, who weathered many storms, dies in southern Italy

The death of South African icon Miriam Makeba brings to an end an illustrious music career spanning over four decades.

Makeba, who died aged 76 years in southern Italy on Sunday night, was an inspiration to many worldwide.

She will be remembered for having vowed to “continue singing and never retire”.

Her illustrious lifestyle ranged from earning the fame of “Mama Africa”, being a symbol of fighting apartheid in her home country, through song and dance.

Her ups and downs in social life marked an illustrious career that associated her to many other leading veteran entertainers like her fellow South African Hugh Masekela and Harry Belafonte.

Was dedicated

In Kenya, Makeba will be particularly remembered for having won recognition from Kenya’s first President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta when she composed Pole Mzee, which was dedicated to the Kenya independence struggle.

Notably, she was among the foreign artistes to have had the opportunity of performing in Kenya during the Independence Day celebrations.

Her further closer association to Kenya was when she did a cover version of the legendary Malaika international song, which just showed her ability of singing the popular hit in Kiswahili.

The Malaika song, which was popularised initially by the Fadhili William, had cover versions done by many other artistes both locally and internationally.

Speaking the Nation on Monday, Afro Jazz musician Achieng Abura noted that Makeba’s death had dealt a devastating blow “for most of us who had all along seen her as a inspirational figure in music”.

It is no wonder that most African women singers have idolised Makeba’s powerful singing style.

Similarly expressing shock at Makeba’s death was John Katana, the Uyoga Band leader, who recalled how they used to do cover versions of her songs during live performances in the 1970s.

“During our early days with Them Mushrooms band, Makeba’s songs were among those we mainly used during shows,’’ Katana said.

Notably, some of Makeba’s former band members had a stint in Mombasa where they are remembered for releasing the exciting Bwana Nipe Pesa song.

Also excelled

Makeba’s earlier life in music was not short of controversies. This was when she also excelled as a film actor.

In her later days, Makeba is remembered for her having taken part in the famous South African musical movie Sarafina where she played the role of “Angelina” the mother to Sarafina. This movie by Mbongeni Ngema, depicting South African students involved in Soweto riots, also features Leleti Khumalo and Whoopi Goldberg.