It is one thing to be the spokesman for a nation, but to bear the burden of an entire continent seems too much for one individual to bear. Or is it?

Legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba earned her nickname “Mama Africa” through a combination of her tireless efforts promoting the music and culture of her homeland, as well as her attempts to expose the world to the tragedies of apartheid. In doing so, Makeba brought attention not only to South Africa, but also to the entire continent...