MIRIAM MAKEBA MAMA AFRICA (The Musical)

MIRIAM MAKEBA MAMA AFRICA (the musical)

Synopsis

MIRIAM MAKEBA – MAMA AFRICA (the musical) tells the story, life and times of Miriam Makeba. This original musical centers on the life, struggle and legacy of South African talent and phenomenal singer, Miriam Makeba. She lived the majority of her life, exiled from South Africa for more than 30 years. She left South Africa in the late 1950’s and was forbidden to return until 1992. During her years in exile she devoted her life and art to the South African ideal and cause, for freedom, justice and equality. She passed away in 2008.
This musical explores her activism in helping to bring down apartheid (and impact on the global civil rights movement), her fame & international success owing to her magical voice and her endurance in overcoming betrayal, failed marriages and the death of her only daughter, Bongi, while in exile. Set in Africa, the USA and Belgium MIRIAM MAKEBA – MAMA AFRICA (the musical) is an inspirational, universal story that will appeal to a multi-generational audience worldwide.

Production Credits:

MIRIAM MAKEBA – MAMA AFRICA (the musical)
Directed by‘Niyi Coker, Jr.
Written by‘Niyi Coker, Jr. & Angela D. Coker
ChoreographyThandi Swaartboi & Zakhele (Zakes) Nkosi
Stage ManagerRebecka Jackson
Music DirectorGeorge Werner
Choral ArrangementsPhelo Nodlayiya
Technical DirectorGlen Anderson
Light & Set DesignGlen Anderson
Costume DesignFelia K. Davenport
Executive ProducersJoel Glassman (USA) & Leolyn Jackson (SA)
Producers‘Niyi Coker, Jr & Angela Coker
Thandi Swaartboi & WOMEN UNITE (SA)
African Musical Arts
Special Thanks To:
The Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADPF)

http://www.iie.org/africandiaspora

ZM Makeba Trust/Siyandisa Music (PTY) Ltd, of Johannesburg, South Africa.
The University of Missouri Research Board
The University of Missouri Saint Louis Office of Research
The Consulate of the United States of America, Cape Town, South Africa.
Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty of Humanities and Diversity at NYU
Institute of African American Affairs & Program in Africana Studies at NYU
Professors Awam Amkpa & Manthia Diawara NYU.
Dr. Fred Onovwerosuoke