The Indispensable 1955-1962

Known as Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba came from a very poor family and was the first African singer to achieve fame in America and Europe. But she was already a star in her native South Africa before Harry Belafonte launched her in New York. With a detailed commentary by Bruno Blum, this set presents her rare first recordings made during Apartheid, together with others leading to her triumph in America as an international symbol of resistance to oppression. Patrick FREMEAUX”Her haunting melodies gave voice to the pain of exile and dislocation which she felt for thirty-one long years. At the same time, her music inspired a powerful sense of hope in all of us.” Nelson MANDELA