Homeland

Miriam Makeba

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 25, 2000)
• Original Release Date: April 25, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Putumayo World Music
• ASIN: B00004S5HC
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #158,087 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Masakhane

2. Amaliya

3. Pata Pata 2000 - Zenzi Lee, Miriam Makeba

4. 'Cause We Live for Love

5. Liwa Wechi

6. Lindelani

7. Homeland

8. Umhome

9. Africa Is Where My Heart Lies

10. In Time

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

With her first studio recording in six years, Miriam Makeba makes a remarkably rootsy return, celebrating both South Africa and her place in it. Both "Masakhane" and a reworking of her international hit from the '60s ("Pata Pata 2000") positively shimmer with loping South African rhythms and harmonies. But Makeba is also an accomplished ballad and jazz singer, and both of those facets are shown, in songs like "Amaliya" and "Unhome," where the piano work recalls the township jazz of people like Abdullah Ibrahim and Chris MacGregor. Makeba's voice has acquired a compassion and even greater control as she's grown older, but she never sounds old--in fact, there's an incredible energy about this record. While every track is a joy, the real highlights come when the rootsy elements are emphasized and things simply kick. If you thought Graceland or Ladysmith Black Mambazo encapsulated the sound of South Africa, take a listen to this--the country's queen of song has returned in full voice. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for Makeba Neophytes, May 6, 2000

By	D. Rachlin "wunland" (Stow, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This new album is not for Makeba neophytes, but instead for those of us who are long-time fans of this brilliant musician. The difficult rhythms and lyrics and her aging voice led me to wax nostalgic for the Xhosa folk music of earlier cd's and albums. Nevertheless, there is great music here. I was especially moved by the children's choir on two of the songs, and the tender songs of love. The updated version of Patapata was disapointing; not as bouncy and vivacious as the original. If you would like to hear the absolute best that Africa has ever produced, listen to Makeba, but begin with something like Welela.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Full of Pleasure, June 13, 2000

By	"endofthegame" (Atlanta, Ga. United States) - See all my reviews

I bought this CD having read a fantastic review of it in Time magazine. It was a very good decision. Ms. Mekeba is a jem. African music comes full circle by way of Ms. Mekeba's splendid voice. I encourage you to embrace this brilliant and profound collection of songs.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great album from the "Billy Holiday" of African music, May 7, 2001

By	Thomas Maydon (Edinburgh, UK) - See all my reviews

For those who don't know much of African music or Africa - let Queen Miriam be your storyteller.

For a woman who recently sang a duet with her own great-grandchild, it says a lot for her to still be producing quality material such as this

This is a good album and the funky Pata Pata 2000 gives it a contemporary feel, yet never do you feel to the detriment of Makeba's reputation. The album is clearly targetting the non-African markets as a suprising number of songs are in English and some have an R&B feel to them: it is thus not a typical Makeba album. "Pata Pata" and "Welela" are perhaps better buys if you are looking for something more ethnic.

Her vocal cords may not have the range as they did 40 years ago, but her voice has grown stronger and more intense over time. Have a listen to the original Pata Pata or songs from her Skylarks' days and you'll hear the contrast.

Conclusion: It is definitely worth a listen before you know whether or not it's your kind of album.