Miriam Makeba - Homeland
Putumayo  (2000)
African

In Collection
#146

7*
ALJOJAMO  42:07
10 tracks
01 Masakhane             04:43
02 Amaliya             03:13
03 Pata Pata 2000             03:50
04 'Cause We Live For Love             04:36
05 Liwawechi             03:31
06 Lindelani             03:16
07 Homeland             04:07
08 Umhome             05:10
09 Africa Is Where My Heart Lies             04:41
10 In Time             05:00
Personal Details
Owner AJ_CDA_0142
Details
Spars DDD
Sound Stereo
Notes
Homeland
Artist Miriam Makeba
Album Title Homeland
Date of Release Apr 25, 2000
AMG Rating
Genre World
Tones Energetic, Romantic, Passionate, Provocative, Confident, Organic, Earthy, Exuberant, Stylish, Summery
Styles South African Folk, South African Pop, African Folk, South Africa, Worldbeat
Time 42:12


AMG EXPERT REVIEW: Now back home in South Africa, Makeba hadn't done much recording in the 1990s prior to this release, so Homeland amounts to a way of introducing herself to new audiences and updating older fans. Alas, the voice of the mighty Makeba, who was in her late sixties when this CD was recorded, frequently sounds worn and quavery (these sessions may have been an aberration, for she could still summon much of her spine-chilling power of old at the Hollywood Bowl in summer 2000). But for those who followed her turbulent career through the struggles over apartheid, it will be heartwarming to learn that she has finally found some measure of peace in her life. The English lyrics (others are sung in Zulu) sing about coming home, healing broken hearts, living for love, and children. In the album's most touching gesture, Makeba's granddaughter, Zenzi Lee, aimed the lyrics of the title track right at her; the dauntless freedom fighter sounds so glad to be home. As a memory refresher, you also get "Pata Pata 2000," yet another retooled edition of her international hit from 1967, not radically different from previous versions except that Lee lends a hand with the lead vocals. The backing tracks are mostly low-key, controlled, contemporary in feeling; they don't ignite, but they don't get in the South African diva's way either.