The Impact Of Social Media Is At It Again!
Song formally released 8 years ago, Makeba by jain has made a come back through TikTok. The title of the song tells you everything you need to know about it. The song pays tribute to the legendary singer, song writer and Anti-Apartheid Activist Mirriam Makeba also know as “Mama Africa”
The reference of the song being ‘Makeba’ covers the history of South Africa, Miriam Makeba was one of the most visible people campaigning against the Apartheid system and the white minority government. In 1962 she testified before the United Nations special committee against Apartheid. Tirelessly advocating for the lives of black women and children and because of this her music was banned and had her citizenship revoked.
Her music was then passed underground and she became a symbol of resistance to the white minority government, both within and outside of South Africa.
Read More: Karabo Poppy Taking Over, One Illustration At a Time
The “Makeba” Music Video
The music video was shot in South Africa, from the Joburg city to the safari Jain and her team were able to capture the true essence of Mzansi in just 3min. The music video opens up in the middle of what looks like the “wild”, how most people perceive “Africa” however the song transitions to the vibrant city of Johannesburg Showcasing the skyline and the rich culture that is in SA.
Performing In front of graphics made by the well known illustrator and graphic designer Karabo poppy the visuals just make sense when they all come together.
“I want to see you sing, I want to see you fight
because you are the real beauty of human rights”
the lyrics to the song emphasising what the inspiration of this song was advocating, in her time. “Mama Africa” died overnight after performing at a concert in Italy at the age of 76. Music was a very essential part of the struggle against apartheid and Miriam Makeba used her voice in more ways then one, by simply expressing herself and purely singing about her life and life experiences without any intention of being ” a political singer”
Watch “Makeba” Music Video
Main image: Instagram @Jainmusic
