Miriam Makeba Read by Zozibini Tunzi

From Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Rebel Girls

April 28, 2026 · 19 min

About this episode

This episode tells the story of Miriam Makeba, a South African singer and activist who fought against Apartheid through her music.

Once there was a girl who sang from the heart, and fought for freedom through her music. Her name was Miriam Makeba. She was raised in South Africa in the 1930s, where laws oppressed Black people like her. She rose up in song to fight the racist system of Apartheid. She used her voice to travel the world and bring awareness about the injustices her people faced at home. Because of this, she was banned from returning to South Africa for many years. After moving to the United States her career was upended when she married a controversial leader of the civil rights leader. But she still used her fame as a platform for change, and came to be known as “Mama Africa”. [This episode originally aired February 2021.] About the Narrator Zozibini Tunzi is a passionate activist engaged in the fight against gender-based violence and a supporter of the #HeForShe social media campaign which is changing gender stereotypes. In 2019, Tunzi was the first Black representative from South African to be crowned Miss Universe. Zozi was also the first Miss Universe to be crowned wearing her natural curls, serving as an example to young girls to embrace their most authentic selves. She is using her voice…

People in this episode

Host: Zozibini Tunzi

Topics covered

music
freedom
Apartheid
activism
gender equality

Keywords

Miriam Makeba
Zozibini Tunzi
Apartheid
activism
music
freedom
gender-based violence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Rebel Girls

Places: South Africa, United States