Mama Africa: Miriam Makeba

Miriam Makeba was an incredible individual. She was the first African musician to achieve international recognition as a superstar. Her African roots are reflected in her music and inspired her songs against racism. Miriam was forced into exile after she released her anti-apartheid music. She led a turbulent life: singing for John F. Kennedy, Marlon Brando; performing with Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone and Dizzie Gillespie; and marrying Hugh Masekela and Stokely Carmichael. Her life represented truth and justice on behalf of all suppressed people a long time before others took up a similar cause for Africa. She died tragically after passing out during a concert in Italy, in November 2008, aged 76. This documentary investigates her life and music across 50 years. Friends and colleagues, including those she knew since the start of her career performing in smaller dance halls in South Africa, will allow us to follow the magical journey of Miriam Makeba.