Mama Afrika: Celebrating the Life of Miriam Makeba at Waterside

This October, Waterside marks Black History Month with an evening of music, resistance and extraordinary storytelling. Mama Afrika: Celebrating the Life of Miriam Makeba arrives in Sale, bringing to life the remarkable journey of the South African singer, songwriter and activist whose voice became a soundtrack to the struggle for freedom.

Performed by Zimbabwean-born artist Anna Mudeka, this acclaimed solo show fuses song, narration and movement to chart Makeba’s life – from her early days in the vibrant townships of Johannesburg to international fame and political exile. Along the way, audiences are immersed in the events that shaped her: the Sharpeville Massacre, her testimony at the United Nations, and her bold marriage to Black Panther leader Stokely Carmichael.

Through iconic songs such as Mbube, Pata Pata and Soweto Blues, Mudeka celebrates Makeba’s artistry while also tracing the personal cost of her courage. The performance moves between joy and sorrow, defiance and hope, painting a portrait of a woman who used her voice as a weapon against injustice and a bridge between cultures.

Written by Tomas Lutuli Brickhill and directed by Tonia Daley Campbell, the production combines ancestral rhythms with Mudeka’s rich multilingual vocals, creating a sound world that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. It’s as much a celebration as a reminder of Makeba’s enduring relevance – an artist who sang not just for South Africa, but for anyone who believes in art’s power to resist and to heal.

Performer Anna Mudeka told us, “Manchester has a rich history of activism and culture – I can’t wait to connect with audiences here and celebrate a legend who stood for justice and humanity.”

Moving, melodic and filled with heart, Mama Afrika is a night of live performance that honours the past while speaking urgently to the present.