Singing for Africa

Singer Miriam Makeba is one of the less recognised champions of the black struggle for rights and recognition. Yet, her awe-inspiring life encompassed exile from her native South Africa, a successful career in the States alongside figures like Harry Belafonte, marriage to notorious Black Panther Stokely Carmichael and pan-African activism until her death in 2008. Mama Africa chronicles her entire career through interviews with friends and family and a wealth of archival footage. The subject is truly inspiring; sadly, the film has the look and feel of a TV documentary and fails to be as captivating as it could have been.

Mama Africa | Directed by Mika Kaurismäki (Finland et al. 2011) Documentary. Starts November 10