Bongi Makeba

Bongi Makeba (20 December 1950 – 1985) was a South African singer/songwriter. She was the only child of singer Miriam Makeba with her first husband, James Kubay.

Makeba was born in South Africa. She recorded only one solo album, ‘Blow On Wind’ (pläne-records) before she died after a traumatic miscarriage in 1985. She was buried in Conakry, Guinea. Some of her songs could be heard years later in her mother’s repertoire. See and hear mother and daughter together on stage at the North Sea Jazz Festival 1980.

Bongi Makeba ‎– Blow On Wind (pläne ‎– 88234) released in 1980 -her only solo album produced in Germany by Conny Plank.

Bongi Makeba -Sikhumbula (Liberation)

Bongi Makeba -Kilimanjaro

Miriam Makeba left South Africa in 1959, after landing a lead role in the jazz musical King Kong, a tragic story about a boxer, Ezekiel “King Kong” Dlamini. After moving to the US, Bongi started a singing career with Judy White, the daughter of blues singer Josh White. The duo released a few singles in 1967 on American labels under the name Bongi & Judy. Although written and produced by some of the then big names, Bert Keyes and Ashford & Simpson, both singles did not stir up big waves.

 

With her American husband, Nelson Lee, she made two 7″ records
in the early to mid-1970s that were more successful. “Bongi and Nelson” features two soul tracks arranged by George Butcher: “That’s the Kind of Love” and “I Was So Glad” (France: Syliphone SYL 533) & “Everything For My Love” and “Do You Remember Malcom ” (France: Syliphone SYL 532).

see also my previous posts on Miriam Makeba 

African Jazz & Variety -Alfred Herbert 1952

South African Soul Divas pt 1-Miriam Makeba

King Kong, the first All African Jazz Opera 1956

South African Soul Divas Pt 4 -The Skylarks