Miriam Makeba returns to Union Theater

South Africa’s legendary musical sensation and Grammy Award winner Miriam Makeba will perform at the Wisconsin Union Theater on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m. (Note: This event was originally scheduled for Oct. 27.)

A living legend and world-music icon, Makeba first appeared at the Union Theater in 1960 and again in 1962. She is embarking on this latest tour to introduce a new generation of music fans to the transcontinental voice that has touched so many people across the globe.

“Mama Africa,” as Makeba is known to millions around the world, is the original world-music diva and the first African recording artist to be awarded a Grammy.

A singer/songwriter, political activist, author, actor, great-grandmother and UN ambassador, she has enjoyed a successful recording career since the 1950s and has sold more than 5 million albums.

She has performed for countless dignitaries, including President John F. Kennedy, Haile Selassie, Francois Mitterand, Fidel Castro, Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II.

In addition, Makeba’s musical fame has been paralleled by her intense social activism. She was exiled for 30 years from her native South Africa as a result of her outspoken criticism of apartheid.

She was appointed the Guinean delegate to the United Nations and twice addressed the UN General Assembly. Now a UN ambassador, Makeba has been involved in many charitable causes and has received countless accolades, including several lifetime achievement awards and “Certificate of Letters” from countries and organizations around the globe.

Makeba appears at the Wisconsin Union Theater under the sponsorship of the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee.