Luvuyo Kakaza
CD OFTHEWEEK
Miriam Makeba’s latest release, Homeland (Putumayo), lives up to its epic name. It pays tribute to Makeba – affectionately known as Mama Afrika – a living legend of African music. It also showcases a collaboration of African sounds, cultures and beats.
It cannot be compared to any of Makeba’s past albums. Homeland features young local talents, offering distinctive beats that will even send kwaito slaves running to the dance floor.
From the 11-track package, Lidawechi, Lindelani, Uhome and Homeland – written by Makeba, Cedric Samson, Zamo Mbutho and Lakua Kanza – are most danceable, traditional rhythms with jazz influences. American ballad sounds come to the fore in songs like Ameliya and Cause We Live for Love. Makeba and Jerry Ragavoy have reworked Pata Pata, Makeba’s 1967 hit that reached the United States top 10 charts. Now called Pata Pata 2000, Makeba and her grandchild, Zinzi Lee, offer unique harmonies with a slight difference in arrangement from the 1950s version.
The tune Masakane offers the brilliant presence of a full band with vocals that offer meaningful lyrics about nation- building. The beauty of this album lies with the range of talents that made it possible, and credit goes to all. One would hope that Makeba will in future embark on more projects of this kind.