Miriam Makeba named “Mama Legend” at 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards

The life and work of the South African singer and civil rights activist, who died in November 2008, was celebrated at the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel in Lagos on Saturday December11, 2010. Makeba, whose stellar career spanned more than 50 years, was honoured by MTV for her musical talent and for her role […]

The life and work of the South African singer and civil rights activist, who died in November 2008, was celebrated at the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel in Lagos on Saturday December11, 2010.

Makeba, whose stellar career spanned more than 50 years, was honoured by MTV for her musical talent and for her role in bringing African music and rhythms into the global spotlight.

In her long and glittering career, Makeba performed for John F. Kennedy, had a duet with Harry Belafonte and Paul Simon, brought African political issues into the mainstream consciousness and won comparisons with Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.  A victim of oppression herself, Makeba fought tirelessly to ensure that others would not be oppressed and was appointed a UN Goodwill ambassador in 1999.

“Miriam Makeba is a true legend and rightly celebrated throughout the world for her beautiful voice, fighting spirit and pioneering interpretation of African music,” Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, said.

Miriam Makeba follows in the footsteps of previous MAMA Legend award winners Fela Anikulapo Kuti (2008) and Lucky Dube (2009).