Tribute to Miriam Makeba
Having distinguished herself by placing African music on the international map in the ’60s and ’70s, Makeba came to be viewed as the foremost world star of African music. So, it was fitting that a segment of the concert was devoted to the human rights campaigner who exposed the scourge of apartheid at world fora inclusive of testimony before the United Nations, earning the title of “Mama Africa.” Makeba became renowned for singing in her native dialect, distinguishable by explosive, clicking sounds with the epiglottis at the back of the throat. Cast members including Ruanne Cabralis, Annessa Rudder, Adifah Padmore, Elena Rawlins, Janine Charles-Farray, Kareem Brown and Avis Bruce performed in the segment dedicated to Makeba. They were joined by Denise Charles and spoken word poet Muhammed Muwakil. Iya Africa encompassed African drumming, chanting and dances which made their way across the middle passage and become incorporated in religious observances like Orisha and Spiritual Baptist practices. Again, Iya Africa hailed the motherland with the steelpan.
