Posts Tagged ‘Miriam Makeba’

The Dapartment of Arts and Culture will pay tribute to Makeba by hosting festival from November 7th to 9th in Gauteng. This includes a free, public concert at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on November 7th, just two days ahead of the first anniversary of the music icon’s death on November 9th 2008.

In a recent speech, Minister of Arts and Culture, Lulu Xingwana said: “Today we pay tribute to the first African cultural activist to address the United Nations General Assembly, ‘Mama Afrika’, Miriam Zenzile Makeba, whom all of us remember as a songstress, tireless activist and a selfless patriot.”

The National Heritage Council has also thrown its weight behind the event as part of its vision to be the leading agent for the preservation, protection and promotion of the South African heritage, both tangible and intangible, for sustainable development.

Family spokesperson and Makeba’s grandson, Nelson Lumumba Lee said: “The Miriam Makeba concert is very important to us, her family, as it means that the world will never forget Miriam Makeba and we are delighted to celebrate with the rest of the country on the day.”

Makeba passed away on 9th November 2008 shortly after performing on stage in Castel Volturno in Southern Italy whilst lending her support to a just cause.