Malaika is a Swahili song written by a Tanzanian musician named Adam Salim. Since it was written in 1945, it has been covered by many different musicians, most famously by Miriam Makeba in 1971, and by Boney M in 1981. Angélique Kidjo is a musician from Benin who is not only of West Africa's most famous musicians, but Time magazine listed her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. She has performed or recorded with Sting, Mr Eazi, Peter Gabriel and Yo-Yo Ma in her career, and won numerous awards including the Legion of Honor (the highest award given in France).
Miriam Makeba in 1969
Ideas for discussion questions:
Which countries speak Swahili?
Which version do you prefer? Why?
Can you name any other woman singers from Africa?
What are the differences between the two performances?