Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter, Angélique Kidjo, has re-worked the world-famous classic by late South African music icon, Miriam Makeba, to raise awareness around the coronavirus pandemic.
The veteran Benin-born French singer re-released ‘Pata Pata’ in collaboration with United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
Miriam Makeba, also known as Mama Africa, wrote the song referencing a dance that became quite popular in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the 60s.
‘Pata Pata’ (in Xhosa), translates to “Touch Touch”. Kidjo, however, tweaked the lyrics to include: “We need to keep our hands clean so no-Pata Pata… Don’t touch your face, keep distance please and no-Pata Pata.”
Commenting on the remake of the 60s classic, she said: “Manu inspired me. Miriam inspired me. And Pata Pata gave me hope. We all know what needs to be done, but we also know how much communities are suffering. ‘Pata Pata’ has always been there for people at a time of struggle. I hope it helps once more. And I hope from our confined spaces we can dance once more.”
