Africa lost one of her brightest daughters. For over 40 years, the continent was blessed with the melodious voice of Miriam Makeba, a strong African woman who for many years sang against the horrible regime that reigned in the land of Chaka until the early 1990s.

She will be missed by all, and especially by those who enjoyed her tunes. Many know her for her most famous tune – Pata pata. Makeba started singing at the age of 13 and rose to international stardorm by the help of the Manhattan brothers and Harry Belafonte.

I join the South Africans and her fans across the world in paying tribute to this wonderful daughter of Africa and citizen of the world. Rest in peace Mama Africa.