Monday, November 10, 2008

Miriam Makeba - Dead at 76



N'Kosi Sikeleli Africa


She had just finished a benefit concert in Italy. She collapsed and died.

Her life was significant. She made a difference.


From the linked article:

I'm not a political singer, I don't know what the word means. People think I consciously decided to tell the world what was happening in South Africa. No! I was singing about my life, and in South Africa we always sang about what was happening to us — especially the things that hurt us.
I never got to share a stage with her. I know some folks who have, I've heard nothing but superlatives.

Godspeed and sweet rest to a giant of a human being. Nothing could stop her, not exile, not boycotts, not political pressure, not death squads, nothing could stop her.

We are all of us living our lives with more freedom because she lived her life the way she did.

Nelson Mandela:

Her haunting melodies gave voice to the pain of exile and disclocation which she felt for 31 long years. At the same time, her music inspired a powerful sense of hope in all of us.


Her very own words might say it best. I will end with them.

"When I've Passed On"




You were one of the people who "laid it down for this."