Watch Mama Africa

Mama Africa is a touching and inspirational documentary film that celebrates the life and work of the legendary South African singer and civil rights activist, Miriam Makeba. Directed by Finnish filmmaker Mika Kaurismäki, the film offers an intimate portrait of Makeba's life, career, and legacy, through rare archival footage, interviews with family members, friends, and colleagues, and poignant performances of her greatest hits. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2011 and has since been screened in many film festivals worldwide.

Makeba rose to international fame in the 1960s as the "Empress of African Song," with her unique blend of traditional folk music, jazz, and pop, and her fearless, outspoken advocacy for human rights, racial justice, and cultural diversity. Born in 1932 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Makeba grew up in poverty and segregation, but her exceptional voice and spirit led her to join various bands and touring Europe and the U.S. In 1959, she recorded the iconic anti-apartheid song, "Pata Pata," which became a hit in Africa and beyond, and paved the way for other seminal songs like "The Click Song," "Malaika," and "Soweto Blues."

Makeba's music and activism were inseparable, as she used her voice to denounce the oppressive policies of the apartheid regime in South Africa and to support the struggles of other oppressed peoples, from Native Americans to Palestinians. Makeba's collaboration with American singer and activist, Harry Belafonte, also helped to promote African culture and solidarity, as they performed together around the world and raised funds for humanitarian causes.

Mama Africa captures Makeba's dynamic and complex personality, as well as her challenges and triumphs in her personal and professional life. The film shows Makeba's deep attachment to her African roots and her commitment to preserving and promoting traditional music and dance, despite the pressures of commercial success and Western influence. The film also portrays Makeba as a mother, grandmother, and friend, whose warmth, humor, and generosity touched many lives.

Mama Africa also sheds light on the political and cultural contexts of Makeba's activism. The film features interviews with Makeba's former husband and fellow musician, Hugh Masekela, who recalls the harsh realities of life under apartheid, and the musical innovations and collaborations that emerged from the struggle. The film also shows Makeba's interactions with other influential figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr, Fidel Castro, and Nelson Mandela, and how she used her music to bridge cultural gaps and inspire social change.

One of the strengths of Mama Africa is its use of music as a powerful narrative and emotional tool. The film features numerous performances and recordings of Makeba's songs, which not only showcase her vocal range and creativity but also evoke the spirit and diversity of African music. The film also incorporates scenes from Makeba's concerts and tours around the world, which convey the energy and excitement of her live performances and the universal appeal of her music.

Another strength of Mama Africa is its visual and artistic quality. The film's cinematography and editing are skillfully done, using a mix of color and black-and-white footage, still images, paintings, and animations to create a rich and dynamic visual experience. The film also includes original songs and compositions by Kaurismäki and other musicians, which add depth and texture to the film's soundscapes.

Overall, Mama Africa is a compelling and moving tribute to a remarkable woman and artist, whose music and activism continue to inspire and resonate with audiences today. The film celebrates Makeba's spirit of resilience, empowerment, and love, and reminds us of the power of music to heal, connect, and transform.

Mama Africa is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.