A one woman show based on the life of a singer and activist at the time of South African apartheid is coming to Ipswich.

The show follows the life of Miriam Makeba from a township in Johannesburg to a global music star, and 30 years of forced exile from South Africa for her vocal opposition of apartheid, a system of institutionalised racial segregation.

Performed by Anna Mudeka and scripted by Zimbabwean writer Tomas Lutuli Brickhill, Mama Afrika will come to New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, on Thursday, April 18 at 7.30pm.

East Anglian Daily Times:

Ms Mudeka said: “Miriam Makeba’s empowerment and pride in the African Woman inspired many generations to follow their dreams and passion, her spirit still lives on through the gift of song. It’s a real honour and privilege to celebrate Mama Afrika’s voice.”

During her time in exile, Makeba campaigned tirelessly against apartheid, making several addresses to the UN special committee on apartheid.

She was also involved in the US civil rights movement and married the Black Panther Party’s Stokely Carmichael.

East Anglian Daily Times:

The theatre performance features many well-known songs, sung in different languages.

Mama Afrika has been made possible through funding from The Arts Council of England and is supported by The Miriam Makeba Foundation and Norwich Theatre.