A-List: Miriam Makeba
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ONE is turning to its community of artists, friends, members and staff for their top picks on creative works that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the richness of African culture and arts. Today we have a recommendation from Vusi Mahlasela:
I’m currently en route to Paris right now to meet up with some of my favorite African musicians: Angelique Kidjo, Rokia Traore, Habib Koite and more. Together, we’re hosting a big concert to celebrate and honor the
music and the life of the late great South African singer Miriam Makeba or “Mama Africa” as she’s often called.
Her songs and voice have been etched in mind and in my soul since I was a little boy. She has been an inspiration to us all, both as a musician and as a social activist. Thank you, Mama Africa.
-Vusi Mahlasela
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September 26, 2009 at 10:17 pm
From my Heart, Vusi, I want to thank you for this short tribute to Mama Africa. It touched me greatly. I was just a young girl when I first heard of Miriam Makeba & Hugh Masekela in the 1960’s but both of them left indelible marks on my consciousness & my soul.
From them, I learned that sacrifice “in the name of love” is actually an honor & to stand up for what is right, even if it isolates you from the crowd, is much more preferable than to remain silent.
I’m amazed that, aside from Peter Griesar & myself, that there is not more attention paid to these threads about African culture in the ONE Blog.
For this is the substance of what makes Africa unique – it’s culture & its people.
Africa is the cradle of civilization, the birthplace of humanity & it simply deserves more recognition. Africa should not be seen through the eyes of Congress, of the Gates Foundation, of the CGI or of ONE.
We, AS ONE, are Africa’s servant and thus we should be more personally informed of & involved with Africa’s cultures & people.
I can only hope that people’s attention in the ONE Blog will be drawn to posts such as yours, Vusi. Take good care of yourself.
All the Best, debbie
http://www.myspace.com/mulago