Google doodle for Miriam Makeba

Google honours Miriam Makeba today who would have turned 81.

Miriam Makeba (4 March 1932 – 9 November 2008), nicknamed Mama Africa, was a Grammy Award-winning South African singer and civil rights activist. In the 1960s she was the first artist from Africa to popularize African music in the U.S. and around the world.

She is best known for the song "Pata Pata", first recorded in 1957 and released in the U.S. in 1967. She recorded and toured with many popular artists, such as Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, and her former husband Hugh Masekela.

She actively campaigned against the South African system of apartheid. As a result, the South African government revoked her citizenship and right of return. After the end of apartheid she returned home. She died on 9 November 2008 after performing in a concert in Italy organized to support writer Roberto Saviano in his stand against the Camorra, a mafia-like organisation local to the region of Campania.

The above has been borrowed from Wikipedia. Visit the site for information on the many achievements and accolades bestowed upon this brave and talented citizen of the world who in her life, held nine passports, and was granted honorary citizenship in ten countries after she was exiled by South Africa for her active campaign against the South African system of apartheid. Miriam Makeba..