Miriam Makeba, jazz e antirazzismo per il Sudafrica

Miriam Makeba, Jazz and Anti-Racism for South Africa. In this contribution, we intend to give voice to the autobiographical work of one of the best-known singers of our time, Miriam Makeba (2009), in order to cover some of the important stages of her ‘anticolonial’ and anti-racist struggle for South Africa. Her legacy of commitment, activism and struggle, which was achieved exclusively through words, music, melody, rhythm and dance, also through collaboration with female artists, performers and politicians from various parts of the world, together with her innate diplomatic skills are an inclusive message (Makeba always sang that Africa is one and that the South African people must be united), an antiracist message (as she exposed the abuses and necropolitics of apartheid), a feminist message (for example when she wanted to go on stage in traditional African dress, while the contract called for a different costume), an ethical and formative message for all generations to come, including singers, artists and intellectuals. It is no coincidence that in Italy Miriam Makeba passed away after a concert against mafias and in solidarity with the writer Roberto Saviano, in Castel Volturno.