The concert, which featured Grammy-nominated artist Somi Kakoma (born in the United States to Rwandan and Ugandan parents), honored Makeba's contributions to music and social justice, blending jazz and African musical traditions in a performance that highlighted the iconic singer's political activism.
Somi, known for her long-standing work bridging African and American cultures, performed a heartfelt tribute to Miriam Makeba, an artist whose international influence transcended music.
Somi's performance was a blend of jazz and African musical traditions, underscoring Makeba's pioneering role in using music as a platform for political activism.
The evening, enriched by Somi's distinctive voice and the talented musicians accompanying her, transformed into both a musical experience and a commemorative act.
The concert highlighted the role of music as a tool for remembrance, emancipation, and the amplification of political causesâ€"values that Makeba passionately championed throughout her life.
The HKW where the event was hosted, is a renowned multidisciplinary institution in Berlin dedicated to fostering global dialogue through the arts.
It is known for its commitment to showcasing diverse cultural expressions, including visual arts, performing arts, and literary practices, alongside scientific and cultural discourse.
The HKW's inclusive space, free from discrimination, provided an ideal setting for this tribute to Makeba, reinforcing the institution's mission of cultivating unity and hospitality among global cultures.
Jeanne Ndatirwa, in her remarks, emphasized that the tribute to Miriam Makeba was a pan-African gesture recognizing the significant contribution of African women to human rights.
She expressed pride in the diaspora's heritage and the importance of such events in strengthening cultural ties and mutual respect between nations.
Dr. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, Director and Chief Curator of HKW, reflected on Makeba's profound impact, stating, 'The concert honors a great artist and political icon who not only brought Africa to the world's music stages but also placed social justice firmly on the global political agenda.'
The evening's events also highlighted the HKW's dedication to promoting inclusivity, emphasizing that the institution does not tolerate any form of hate or discrimination, including homophobic, racist, antisemitic, and xenophobic actions or speech.
Karirima Aimable Ngarambe
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-honored-at-miriam-makeba-tribute-concert-in-germany
