Monday, March 8, 2010

Legendary Zaire '74 Concert


Every second of  Soul Power was mind blowingly amazing to see. Even though James Brown was the headliner, Miriam Makeba really stole the show for me. Not only did she look stunning (THE HAIR!!!), but she spit the most bone chilling, bad ass breakdown about her name right before she performed her famous "Click Song". Miriam's full name is made up of the first names of her male ancestors, followed by a one- or two-word description of their character and that night she made sure everyone knew exactly what her name was.  

"They called me Miriam Makeba, but thats not really my name. My name is Zenzile Makeba Qgwashu Nguvama Yiketheli Nxgowa Bantana Balomzi Xa Ufun Ubajabulisa Ubaphekeli Mbiza Yotshwala Sithi Xa Saku Qgiba Ukutja Sithathe Izitsha Sizi Khabe Singama Lawu Singama Qgwashu Singama Nqamla Nqgithi."


Miriam suffered a fatal heart attack in 2008 after what would be her final performance at a benefit concert in Italy. She was an awe inspiring, unparalleled performer and she is missed.


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