Jain’s “Makeba” Lyrics Meaning

The late Mariam Makeba (1932-2008) is a legendary African musician you’ve probably heard of, even if you aren’t actually familiar with any of her music. This is because, hailing from apartheid-ridden (at the time) South Africa, besides being a successful musician she was also a prominent civil rights activist, who has even been applauded by the likes of Nelson Mandela in that regard. And someone else who obviously looks up to her, in addition to actually being familiar with Makeba’s music and history, is Jain.

So this song goes about expressing a comprehensive appreciation for the various talents that Makeba embodied as an artist. For instance, the chorus celebrates her as a dance musician. 

But the first verse also illustrates that the vocalist relishes the conscious side of Mariam’s artistry, how she could even make Jain, a White person from France, “feel oppressed” and champion those who are fighting for their rights. And the second verse operates along a similar line, alluding to how “Mama Africa” was not only an effective entertainer but also one that could encapsulate “the sufferation of a thousand” in her art.

To note, this track was dropped almost a decade after Mariam Makeba had already left the mortal plane.  But there does not appear to be any wording associated with a feeling of mourning or bereavement on the part of the vocalist. Instead, Jain’s focus is on how beautiful “Mama Africa” is in her eyes. 

So it’s easy for us to conclude that Makeba is someone whom she obviously perceives as a role model as far as being a musician is concerned.

“Ooohe, Makeba, Makeba ma che bella
Can I get a “oohe”? Makeba
Makes my body dance for you
Ooohe, Makeba, Makeba ma che bella“

Release Date for “Makeba”

“Makeba” was officially released as the 2nd single from the French singer’s “Zanaka” album on June 22 of 2015. The album happens to be her debut studio album. “Makeba” was jointly released by the following record labels:

• Spookland Records
• Sony Music
• Columbia Records

Did “Zanaka” Have Other Singles Apart From “Makeba?”

In addition to “Makeba,” the original version of the album had the song “Come,” released on May 11, 2015 as its 1st single. A third song, “Dynabeat” was also released as a single on July 10 of 2017. However, the said song was one of six songs made available on the deluxe edition of the album, which was released in November of 2016.

Credits

Jain wrote “Makeba” herself while its production was entrusted to the French musician and record producer Yodelice.

Some More Information about Miriam Makeba

Born on March 4, 1932, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Miriam was more than just a Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter. She was a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement and a beacon of hope for oppressed people everywhere.

Her music was magic, blending jazz, folk, and South African styles. But her voice, oh man, it could make your soul dance! It had this way of echoing the joys, sorrows, and hopes of her people.

She shot to international fame in the 1950s with the Manhattan Brothers, and then with her all-woman group, the Skylarks. Her break in America came when she starred in the documentary “Come Back, Africa” in 1959. That led to a meeting with Harry Belafonte, which kicked off her U.S. career. Her most famous hit, “Pata Pata,” had everyone up and moving their feet!

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Her involvement in the anti-apartheid movement got her exiled from South Africa in 1960. She even had her U.S. visa cancelled after marrying civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael in the late ’60s.

In 1990, when Nelson Mandela was finally released from prison, guess who was one of the first people he wanted to see? Yup, Miriam. And she finally returned home to South Africa, after three decades of exile.

Sadly, Mama Africa passed away in 2008 after a concert in Italy. But her legacy? Man, it’s larger than life. She wasn’t just a musician; she was a revolutionary, using her voice to fight injustice and inspire millions. And trust me, her music and her message are just as powerful today as they ever were.

The “Ooh Wee TikTok Song”

TikTok does not only catapult new songs into stardom, it also gives older songs a second a massive comeback. Jain’s “Makeba” (which is also known as the “Ooh Wee TikTok Song” thanks to TikTok) is an example of an old song that TikTok catapulted into the spotlight once again. For “Makeba”, this happened in 2023.