Celebrating Miriam Makeba

The Orbit Jazz Bar and Bistro in Braamfontein is set to host the mercurial talent of Zenzile Makeba, granddaughter of the legendary South African jazz songstress, Miriam Makeba on 2 March.

Miriam Makeba’s music was timeless and touched the lives of many on stages, jazz bars and social hotspots the world over. Her music repertoire transcended all barriers and made for much food for the soul.

Today, it is her granddaughter, Zenzile, who assumes the mantle and looks to make her own imprint. “I wouldn’t say I look to continue my grandmother’s greatness – she was herself and she was unique and she encouraged us to do the same,” Zenzile said to City Buzz.

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“I learnt a lot from her, especially having travelled with her a lot, and so the best way to contribute to her legacy is through the music.”

Zenzile Makeba’s upcoming performance at the Orbit is her third at the venue and is seen as a tribute to her grandmother. “The Orbit were keen on having me perform [with only two days to go to] my grandmother’s birthday, hence it is seen as a tribute performance. The Orbit is a venue where I enjoy performing and love the atmosphere… coupled with the audience,” she said.

Performing at the three-year-old establishment is something that the musician and composer relishes. She prides herself on a sound ability to sing in different styles and acknowledges that sharing a stage with other artists is important.

She added, “The Orbit is a platform for other female artists to celebrate the great female artists [who came before us]. And so the upcoming performance is really just to celebrate the music Miriam Makeba did independently and collectively with other artists of her generation.”

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