Every once in a while, an artist comes around that is so organic that you can't help but believe them. Unlike those who try too hard to convince you that 'they know what it's like,' this artist lives and breathes their music, communicating something so personal and real that you connect with them instantly regardless of genre, language or country.
Miriam Makeba, who died on Sunday at the age of 76, was one such artist. The South African singer, known as "Mama Africa," sang of the Africa that made her who she was, while fighting against the Africa that denied her the freedoms she deserved.
Though I have to admit that I was not previously familiar with Makeba, I came across an article in The New York Times about her and, after learning her story and listening to her music online, could not help but feel that this was a very special artist. I hope that you'll check out some of her stuff. (I especially recommend "The Click Song," "Oxgam," "Amampondo" and "Jinkel E Maweni")
Read the New York Times article here
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