Mama Africa

Miriam Makeba was an incredible person. She was the first African musician to win international stardom, one whose music was always anchored in her traditional South African roots, as was her ceaseless message against racism and poverty. Miriam was forced into a life in exile, after exposing the harsh realities of apartheid. Singing for John F. Kennedy and Marlon Brando, performing with Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone and Dizzie Gillespie, being married to Hugh Masekela and then Stokely

Carmichael, her life was a tumultuous one. A life that always stood for truth and justice on behalf of oppressed people, most importantly for Africans, as a global campaigner against apartheid. She tragically died after collapsing at a concert in

November 2008 in Italy at the age of 76.

This documentary traces her life and music through more than fifty years of performing. Friends and colleagues, some who knew her since she started performing in the dance halls of South Africa (remember Pata Pata), together with her grandson Nelson Lumumba Lee, allow us to know the remarkable journey of Miriam Makeba.

“A legend of African music and culture is paid vibrant homage in MAMA AFRICA, a portrait of singer Miriam Makeba, which has everything admirers could ask for – except Makeba herself. Work on the project started before the singer’s death in Italy in 2008, but Mika Kaurismaki has nevertheless assembled a compelling portrait of a hugely talented exile and international figurehead for black South Africa. Riveting subject matter, terrific music and engaging interviewees could pay off in crossover appeal in “The Buena Vista Social Club” manner.”

Jonathan Romney, Screen International