Miriam Makeba was a South African singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. She was an influential figure in the anti-apartheid movement and was affectionately known as Mama Africa. Makeba was the first artist from Africa to popularize African music around the world. She released numerous albums throughout her career and won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Recording in 1965. Makeba was also a UN goodwill ambassador and was awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Peace Prize in 1986.