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Mama Africa
1h 30m Biography, Musical, Arts & Culture 2011

A moving, powerful portrait of Miriam Makeba - activist, exile, and musical icon whose voice carried the spirit of Africa to the world.

Mama Africa celebrates the life and legacy of Miriam Makeba, the South African singer whose voice became a weapon against apartheid and a beacon of hope across continents. Blending rich archival footage with intimate interviews, this vibrant and emotional documentary captures her courage, artistry, and enduring influence as one of the world’s most remarkable cultural voices.

Rialto Recommends: Mama Africa. A luminous tribute to a woman who sang truth to power. Mama Africa moves to the rhythm of freedom and resilience, revealing Miriam Makeba not only as a global icon but as a deeply human artist who transformed pain into song - and left the world forever changed.

Cast

Miriam Makeba (Self), Bageot Bah (Self), Harry Belafonte (Self)

Director

Mika Kaurismäki

Languages

English, French

Countries

Finland, France, Germany, South Africa

Studio

Millennium Film