Zakes Bantwini remembers Miriam Makeba
Zakes Bantwini pens a thoughtful birthday tribute to the late Miriam Makeba.
The music legend passed away in 2008 due to a heart attack.
On Tuesday, the South African DJ posted a lengthy tribute on social media to celebrate Miriam’s 93rd birthday.
“To celebrate the legendary Mama Africa, whose voice carried the soul of a continent and the dreams of a people. Your melodies crossed oceans, carried on wings of hope and resilience. From Sophiatown to stages worldwide, you transformed pain into power, exile into anthem. More than a singer, you were a force of nature your voice a river flowing through the harsh landscapes of apartheid, nourishing parched souls with dignity,” he wrote.
“In your songs, we heard not just notes, but history itself. The township rhythms, the click languages preserved, the stories of struggle and joy intertwined. Your music wasn’t just heard it was felt, deep in the marrow of our bones, reminding us that identity cannot be silenced. On your birthday, we remember how you carried Africa in your heart, wearing it proudly in your dress, your speech, your unwavering principles. You showed us that art and activism are not separate paths but one powerful journey.”
“Pata Pata, Malaika, Qongqothwane these weren’t just songs, but incantations that brought us closer to understanding each other across borders and differences. Thank you for being unafraid to stand tall, for using your voice when others were silenced. Your legacy lives on in every artist who dares to speak truth, in every melody that carries the weight of history and the lightness of hope. Happy Birthday, Mama Africa. The stage of this world still echoes with your magnificent voice.”
