Remembering An Icon
Miriam Makeba — a singer who fought for civil rights in the United States and South Africa.
The United States Consulate General, Cape Town is proud to support the South African arts industry in telling the story of the Miriam Makeba during #BlackHistoryMonth. Makeba was a singer and activist that not only advocated against apartheid in her home country but made a mark in the United States’ own civil rights movement.
The consulate’s support includes a US$ 10,000 grant to the University of the Western Cape (UWC) to help fund rehearsals and production costs for staging ‘Mama Africa’ at Artscape Theatre during February. The musical came about thanks to the 30 year strong collaboration between the University of Missouri St Louis and UWC.
“Our support for this production will promote leadership, employment and collaboration between Americans and South Africans in the performing arts. It tells the remarkable story of Makeba’s life, and the influence she had in the U.S. civil rights movement,” says Ellen Masi, public affairs officer at the consulate.
Makeba lived in the U.S. for many years, worked closely with Harry Belafonte among others and was married once to African-American civil rights activist and Black Panther leader Stokely Carmichael.
U.S. professor and Broadway director Niyi Coker Jr. researched and wrote the musical drama with the support of the Carnegie Africa Diaspora Fellowship Program, the ZM Makeba Trust and Siyandisa Music. The production is comprised of an all-South African cast, a student orchestra, and professional and semi-professional dancers and actors.
“It is important as we mark Black History Month to tell a new generation the history we share. We must always remember the sacrifices people like Makeba made,” said Masi.
The American Corner in Cape Town hosted a #FirstThursday dicussion about Black History Month to coincide with the musical at the Artscape Theatre. Audience members and panelists unpacked how Black History Month resonates with people living in South Africa.
The show will be on at the Artscape from February 2 to 12. On First Thursday, February 2, the American Corner, Cape Town — situated inside Central Library — will host a special discussion on Black History Month and the life of Miriam Makeba.
