Miriam Makeba - Qongqothwane (The Click Song) (Live, 1963)

Miriam Makeba performs Qongqothwane (The Click Song) live on Ce soir à Cannes, May 18, 1963.

[alanhandleman]

For those of you discovering Miriam Makeba for the first time, I would like to point out that it was not only her beautiful music that made her famous worldwide. She spoke out against apartheid in South Africa, and delivered an eloquent speech before the United Nations in 1963. This caused her to be banned from her own native country for 31 years. She was not even allowed to return to South Africa to attend the funeral of her own mother. She was strong, beautiful, and courageous. May her soul rest in peace, and may many generations be inspired by her.

[asemahlemakwedini]

I'm Xhosa and growing up in the late 90's & 00's in elementary school we used to sing this as kids on the playground. Love my language. Beautiful.

[humourlessjester]

I love her confidence when she said that English speakers can't pronounce the name of the song. There's a real sense of pride in her voice for her language.

[leiasleeping]

She looked so shy and nervous when she was talking but the moment the music kicked in it was like she immediately channelled to her energetic expressive self. It’s magical how music affects people.

[caroleappling]

I love how she said, “ because they can not say it”! Oh the shade, and I’m here for it. She was absolutely amazing 😍

[tiwanih]

Her speaking voice is so calm and soothing and then she starts singing and 😮

[randomcomment]

I‘m so happy that YouTube exists. As a European I would never have heard about this Language or this song if the internet wasn’t a thing

[lemonadewithsnacks]

She was such a smart and very well spoken lady. She was also not afraid of the truth and kept true to her beliefs and what was in such trying times in South Africa. One of the greatest women of South Africa

[danmason]

I was fortunate to see her perform with Paul Simon's Graceland tour in 1987.

I'm glad she realized her dream " to invite Paul Simon to play in a FREE South Africa."

She sang a set in Xhosa, and shared the stage with Hugh Masakela and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

A seminal moment in my life.

[AshenElk]

So a couple of things:
* It's wild that the clicks of the Xhosa language evolved, testament to the variety of sounds humans can make to communicate.
* Miriam Makeba was singing this live, no autotune. Now that's a good live performance.

[tonibauer]

I am a 74 year old white southern woman. I recall seeing Miriam Makeba on television a few times back when I was young. She was so talented, beautiful and joyful. She deserved a better audience than the politely interested middle aged white group shown in this film, that’s for sure.

[NormanEschenfelder]

My daughter was crying her little heart out for the first months. What gave her calm was this song. I put it on and she was in awe. I actually tried my best to learn to pronounce the click sounds and still sing it to her, almost four years later. This is a fantastic and clear version I am going to show to her later. Goodbye Mama Africa

[arrigune]

She spoke a click language. As a linguist it is really interesting to me to listen to her. I also admire her for her human-rights lifelong fight.

[downbntout]

This little scrap of footage is a world treasure ❤️

[baileez]

It is so refreshing to see a true, glamorous, natural Black woman on stage in 1963. She was one of a kind. There hasn't been one like her since.

[bethroesch]

My favorite thing about the internet is discovering people and learning about different cultures. The most beautiful thing about music is you don't necessarily have to know the language in order to get the spirit of the song. This is really beautiful

[francinemcgaughey]

Back in the 60s, I used to go to my cousin's house every Saturday and hang out with her and my aunt. My aunt would play her records, and we would listen to Harry Belafonte, Odetta, Miriam Makeba, others. It was something to look forward to, but I appreciate it even more now than I did when I was a kid. My aunt was cool.

[nubiacairo]

I love this song. I remember as 13 year old listening to her music and being so impressed not only with her singing but her speaking out against apartheid. I went to the barber and cut my hair as short as hers. My father was livid because I had long hair back then but my mother didn't seem to mind. Great woman.

[trybeinggr]

She radiates so much when she smiles. It's like she is singing with her whole heart and spirit. She's beautiful.

Been a fan of hers since I was in elementary school. She continues to amaze me even now.

[machetefreddy]

Her smile is infectious. She is beautiful. 🥲