“I look at an ant and see myself: a native South African, endowed with a strength much greater than my size…”

Miriam Makeba South Africa

“My country has been turned by the Verwoerd Government into a huge prison.”

Miriam Makeba South Africa

“I have not the slightest doubt that these arms will be used against the African women and children.”

Miriam Makeba South Africa

“I ask you and all the leaders of the world: Would you act differently? Would you keep silent and do nothing if you were in our place?”

Miriam Makeba South Africa

“I kept my culture. I kept the music of my roots. Through my music I became this voice and image of Africa and the people without even realising.”

Miriam Makeba South Africa

“Emotion is African, as reason is Hellenic.”

Léopold Sédar Senghor Senegal

“With my music I create a change. I see it. So really I am using my music as a weapon.”

Fela Kuti Nigeria

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

Desmond Tutu South Africa