news / NMCF UK and Mama Africa: Celebrating Miriam Makeba

On Saturday 21st November the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund UK held charity collections at the Barbican for the performance of "Mama Africa", curated and presented by Angeligue Kidjo, the show included one of Mr Mandela's favourite singers!

'I just told the world the truth, and if the truth then becomes political, I can't do anything about that.' Miriam Makeba, 2000.

This very special evening brought together some of the finest vocal talent the African continent has to offer, paying tribute to Makeba, with performers including:  Baaba Maal, Asa, Vusi Mahlasela, Sayon Bamba, Dobet Gnahore & South African chorus.

Miriam Makeba was a former Johannesburg club singer who became a voice for the anti-apartheid struggle in her native South Africa, yet was exciled for 31 years under the regime. Fortunately, her extraordinarily pure voice and the fame of hits like Pata Pata , Westwinds and The Click Song endured and she returned at the personal request of Nelson Mandela, touring extensively around the globe until her death in 2008.

The spirit of Africa's best-known voice, Miriam Makeba was alive once more in this all-star celebration curated by another giant of African song, Benin-born Angelique Kidjo. This stunning singer-songwriter is one of West Africa's most celebrated artists - the experience of her live performance unforgettable. She's collaborated with Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Branford Marsalis, Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Amadou and Mariam and many more.

Other special guests for the evening included: Senegalese master musician Baaba Maal, Barbican new-comer, Nigerian soul-pop singing sensation Asa (who has opened concerts for both Beyonce and Snoop Dogg) and South Africa's 'The Voice' Vusi Mahlasela, celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and poetic, optimistic lyrics. Plus Guinean singer Sayon Bamba and the Ivory Coast's singer, dancer and percussionist Dobet Gnahore both made their Barbican debuts.

"Mama Africa: Celebrating Miriam Makeba," promised to be an extraordinary opportunity to re-live the music of Africa's greatest voice and it did not let the audience down.

Mama Africa is produced by the Barbican-Part of the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3.