Miriam Makeba

"In every community, in every nation, people are doing little and big things to help make a better world. Think of what has been accomplished to date: space exploration; satellite communications; heart transplants. Today, we have managed to do what previous generations never dreamed of.

But, you see, today, around the world, 840 million people still don't have enough to eat. And it doesn't have to be this way."

Singer Miriam Makeba, the legendary “Mama Africa”, who passed away in 2008, was appointed an FAO Goodwill Ambassador in 1999.  She had a longstanding commitment to humanitarian issues. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, her fearless campaigning against inequality and injustice further enhanced the worldwide fame she had already won for her vocal talents. Ms Makeba travelled throughout Africa to give voice to millions of suffering people. Drawing on her own funds, she set up a foundation in Johannesburg to care for needy young South African women.

Ms Makeba dedicated a song, Masakahane, to FAO and participated in various events and concerts organized by FAO, such as the Jamaica and Spain TeleFood concerts in 1999, and the South Africa concert in 2000. In April 2001, Ms. Makeba visited FAO post-emergency projects in Mozambique, increasing the visibility and impact of FAO’s activities in Africa.  

Ms Makeba  was also a strong FAO advocate during interviews particularly with CNN and BBC.

In 2001 and 2002, an FAO public service announcement featuring Miriam Makeba was published in major international magazines and newspapers.

In March 2008, Ms. Makeba carried out an official mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo and  visited several FAO emergency projects. The visit, during which Ms. Makeba also participated in various press conferences, gave significant international visibility to FAO’s activities in the country. 

Following her  trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ms. Makeba was granted the "International Award for Social Engagement", in her capacity as FAO Goodwill Ambassador, for the work done and commitment towards helping women victims of sexual violence in the country

Mama Africa passed away on 10 November 2008 in Italy.