Africa mourns Miriam Makeba

Makeba, who was affectionately known as 'Mama Africa', suffered a heart attack shortly after a concert against organised crime in the southern Italian town of Baia Verde late on Sunday. She was the first black South African musician to game international fame, winning renown in the 1950s for her sweeping vocals. Born in a shantytown outside Johannesburg, Makeba spent 31 years in exile after speaking out against apartheid. Former South African President Nelson Mandela called her 'South Africa's first lady of song', saying her music inspired hope.

Reuters | November 10, 2008

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