The Story Behind the Song "Makeba"
“Makeba” is a song by French singer-songwriter Jain, whose real name is Jeanne Louise Galice. Born on February 7, 1992, in Toulouse, France, Jain is a multicultural pop artist with a unique style influenced by her diverse background. With roots in Madagascar, she moved to Dubai at the age of 9, and later to the Congo, where she began experimenting with music under the guidance of Mr. Flash. After completing her secondary education, she returned to Paris to study the arts, where she continued to develop her musical style, blending French techno, Arabic percussion, and African rhythms.
Jain released her debut EP “Hope” in 2015, which included the singles “Come” and “Makeba.” “Makeba” was inspired by the legendary South African singer and civil rights activist Miriam Makeba and received a Grammy nomination for its music video, which was filmed in South Africa.
The Legacy of Miriam Makeba
Zenzile Miriam Makeba, affectionately known as “Mama Africa,” was born on March 4, 1932, in Johannesburg, South Africa. A singer, songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist, Makeba was known for her contributions to Afropop, jazz, and world music. She was a staunch advocate against apartheid and the white-minority government in South Africa. Makeba’s early life was marked by hardship.
Her vocal talent was recognized early on, and she began singing professionally in the 1950s, performing with groups like the Cuban Brothers, the Manhattan Brothers, and the Skylarks. In 1959, she appeared in the anti-apartheid film Come Back, Africa, which brought her international recognition.
In London, she met American singer Harry Belafonte, who became her mentor. Makeba moved to New York City, where she quickly gained popularity and released her first solo album in 1960.
Makeba’s career thrived in the United States, where she released several successful albums, including the hit song “Pata Pata” in 1967.
Makeba became an outspoken critic of apartheid, testifying against the South African government at the United Nations and participating in the U.S. civil rights movement. After marrying Black Panther leader Stokely Carmichael in 1968, she faced political backlash, leading to her visa being revoked and forcing her to relocate to Guinea.
Despite her exile, Makeba continued to perform worldwide, focusing on African countries. She became more explicit in her music’s criticism of apartheid, exemplified by the 1977 song “Soweto Blues,” which was about the Soweto uprising. After apartheid ended in 1990, she returned to South Africa and continued to perform and campaign for humanitarian causes until her death from a heart attack during a concert in Italy in 2008.
Makeba was one of the first African musicians to gain global recognition. She introduced African music to Western audiences, popularized world music and Afropop, and became a symbol of resistance against apartheid. Her legacy lives on through her music and activism.
Throughout her career, Makeba emphasized that her music was not intentionally political. In an interview with The British Times, she explained: “I’m not a political singer… I don’t know what the word means. People think I consciously decided to tell the world what was happening in South Africa. No! I was singing about my life, and in South Africa we always sang about what was happening to us – especially the things that hurt us.”
The song “Makeba” by Jain is not just a catchy tune but also a tribute to a powerful figure in the fight against apartheid. Miriam Makeba’s legacy as “Mama Africa” is one of resilience, cultural pride, and advocacy for justice. Her influence on world music and civil rights remains significant. As Jain’s song gains popularity, it not only entertains but also educates new generations about the remarkable life of Miriam Makeba.
“A good song never gets old”
Bad Bunny