Zimbabwean born singer, musician and storyteller Anna Mudeka tells the remarkable life story of an iconic South African singer, songwriter and civil rights activist, Miriam Makeba; charting her rise from the townships of Johannesburg to global star, forced into exile for her stand against apartheid and marginalised for championing Black rights.
Told in four character incarnations chronicling a life blighted by hardship, tragedy and struggle, Mama Afrika is a story of hope, determination & song and features many best loved songs including Mbube, Pata Pata and Soweto Blues, embodying an irrepressible spirit and integrity and which earned her legendary status.
Mama Afrika is a solo performance by Anna Mudeka and is produced for family audiences of all ages. Script by Zimbabwean writer Tomas Lutuli Brickhill, musical direction and special sound effects by John Vigar at Tontena Music, song backing tracks recorded by Zimbabwean multi-instrumentalist Ziva Guveya. Directed by Tonia Daley-Campbell. Produced by Arts La’Olam. Originally co-commissioned by Norwich Arts Centre the show is supported by The Arts Council of England, The Miriam Makeba Foundation and Norwich Theatre.
