Miriam Makeba, nick named Mama Africa was born on the 4 March 1932 and passed on 9 November 2008. Was a Grammy Award-winning South African singer and civil rights activist in her time.

She was the first artist from Africa to popularize African music around the world in the 1960's and was best known for the song "Pata Pata", first recorded in 1957 and released in the U.S. in 1967. She recorded and toured with many popular artists, such as Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, and her former husband Hugh Masekela.

Makeba campaigned against the South African system of apartheid herewith the South African government responded by revoking her passport in 1960 and her citizenship and right of return in 1963. As the apartheid system crumbled she returned home for the first time in 1990.

Makeba died of a heart attack on 9 November 2008 after performing in a concert in Italy organised to support writer Roberto Saviano in his stand against the Camorra, a mafia-like organisation local to the region of Campania.

The 6th November 2013 served as the inaugural memorial celebration of Miriam Makeba who passed way five years ago. Deemed Mama Africa, this name staged her internationally throughout her career. It really is an honor to all South Africans and Africans alike that the a street has been named after her in the 22 District in the City of Vienna. His excellency Ambassador Mabhongo, District Director of the 22nd District Mr Norbert Scheed and the Honorary Consular Lydia Dyk represented South Africa as the spokes people, paying tribute to Miriam Makeba and her efforts as a humman rights activist and musican. Tribute songs were also performed.

We look forward to seeing more streets in Vienna with African names.

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Written by Lauren,  Images: Lauren

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