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Quote by Miriam Makeba

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Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba

Miriam Makeba, born on March 4, 1932, was a renowned South African singer, actress, and social activist. Her musical career spanned various genres, including African music, jazz, and pop. Makeba was known for her unique musical style and strong anti-apartheid stance, and her music and activities had a profound impact on the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and around the world. more

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“When I was young, I never bought records because my brother Joseph played saxophone and had a record player. I loved listening to his records: The Dorsey Brothers, Duke Ellington, all the big American jazz bands, and vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald, Ernestine Anderson, and Kitty White, a singer from the US who was a friend of Nina Simone. Nobody in America seems to know about her, but she was quite popular in South Africa.”

“In those years, when I came to the States, people were always asking me why I didn't sing anymore. I'd tell them, 'I sing all around the world-Asia, Africa, Europe-but if you don't sing in the US, then you haven't really made it.' That's why I'll always be grateful to Paul Simon. He allowed me to bring my music back to my friends in this country.”