Passion from a freedom fighter

Unlike other politically-minded singers she's a genuine heroine, of course, the star who addressed the United Nations in person about the evils of apartheid and was debarred from South Africa as a result.

So when, as happened last night, she sings Home Is Where My Heart Lies (Across The Ocean Under African Skies), her words carry an autobiographical clout that deepens their impact.

She also delivers pithy political science messages. "Thank you to all of you who did raise your voice against apartheid. Without you we would not be celebrating our 10th anniversary of freedom now," she said. "And let's thank our leaders, who taught us patience, and that while we may never forget, we must forgive."

With similar candour she referred to her pan-African group as "youngsters it's hard to keep up with when you're 72", introducing backing-singer Innocent Wudiye with the words: "I want to showcase South Africa's future, because the old girl's exiting soon."

Maybe, but not just yet. Throwing in the occasional dance-step and singing strongly throughout, Mama Africa covered most of her English, Swahili and Xhosa favourites (Wimowe, West Wind, Soweto Blues, Malaika and Dinar Bola Dinardele) in a fast-moving 90-minute show completed without an interval.

Exiled in Conakry for years, she also sang Chantons d'Amour in fluent French and revealed herself to be a proud holder of the Légion d'Honneur.

Freedom fighters like Miriam deserve their battle stars, and lest we forget, homegoing images of the dead and dying, part of a disturbing Press Photo 04 Awards montage in the RFH foyer, reminded us of the many world wrongs yet to be righted.