RIP: "Mama Africa" Miriam Makeba

Nov. 9:  Legendary South African singer and anti-apartheid activist Miriam Makeba has died of a heart attack in Italy at the age of 76, her representatives said.  Makeba, who was known as "Mama Africa" and the Empress of African Song, died shortly after performing at an anti-racism and anti-Mafia concert in Castel Volturno Sunday night.  Makeba's aides said the performer agreed to sing at the musical event despite her recent poor health. An Italian news outlet said she sang for about 30 minutes but suffered chest pains and was taken to the hospital where she died.

We at CAC@SJB want to share our sympathy with her family, all of Africa, and all of those around the world who recognize Mama Africa as a modern day heroine for the people of Africa, and an example of faith, courage, and perseverance through her uplifting voice and gift of music.  We pray for and honor Mama Africa.. and are thankful to God for her, her amazing accomplishments, and especially for all the youth she was so dedicated to, and supported throughout the latter years of her life.  May she find herself now at peace in her rightful place.. in the Eternal Loving Arms of God.

Click into the following BBC and Yahoo News links for retrospectives of Mama Africa's amazing life and her great accomplishments.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7719056.stm

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081110/ap_on_en_mu/eu_obit_makeba