JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Grammy Award-winning singer Miriam Makeba began her farewell tour with a concert in her hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday.
Makeba, 73, who has been performing more than 50 years, said she aims to perform in as many places as possible, the BBC reported. She said she will record a new album next year, but does not plan to tour again.
"I have to go and say farewell to all the countries that I have been to, if I can," the singer known as Mama Africa said. "I am 73 now, it (touring) is taxing on me. ... But as long as I'll have my voice, I'll keep on recording."
Makeba, a human rights activist, spent 31 years in exile and did not return to Johannesburg until Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, the BBC said.
Makeba won a Grammy in 1966 for best folk recording with Harry Belafonte for "An Evening with Belafonte and Makeba."
