South Africa : Centre to keep legacy left by Makeba

By Nthambeleni Gabara

East London - The Miriam Makeba Performance Centre in the Eastern Cape will keep alive the legacy of the late singer, the Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Noxolo Abraham-Ntantiso said.

The province resolved to name the centre after the late singer in recognition of her contribution to arts in general, not only as a musician, but also a film actress and an inspiration to the arts practitioners.

Ms Makeba died on Monday morning after collapsing at a performance in Italy.

The centre, which has a state-of-the-art recording studio, provides audio and video recordings as well as graphic facilities to communities in the province.

A number of groups have already recorded their albums at the centre, including a group from Germany, Soko Jazz Band.

MEC Abraham-Ntantiso said: "It is through this centre that we hope to keep the legacy left by Mama Afrika. The Eastern Cape joins the world in mourning this sad loss".

Tributes for the late music icon have been pouring in since the world heard of her death. Government, President Kgalema Motlanthe, ambassadors, missions abroad and former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Nelson Mandela have all sent messages of condolences.

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) expressed their deepest sympathies to the Makeba family, saying it was saddened by the unexpected passing on of the music diva.

According to the HSRC, Ms Makeba put South Africa on the world map at many points in her lifetime, adding that she left a legacy of timeless and elegant performances on stage in highly acclaimed epic shows such as King Korn and Graceland to name but a few.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality portfolio chairperson for Recreation and Culture, Councillor Mike Kwanaite expressed the Council's condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, friends and those whose lives were indelibly touched by Mama Afrika.

Chairperson of the National Arts Council of South Africa, Adv Brenda Madumise said Ms Makeba was a true South African legendry Musician and a South African Ambassador in the international community through her music.

As a musician she also played a significant role in the fight against apartheid in various international platforms.

"Her challenges and her role as both a Musician and a Mother inspire us all. She will be solely missed however she will live on through her music in our memories and heritage," said Ms Madumise

The ZM Makeba Trust and Siyandisa Music also extended their condolences to both her family and friends. - BuaNews