South African singer Miriam Makeba dies in Italy

(SomaliNet) After being taken ill near the southern Italian town of Caserta following a concert, South African singer Miriam Makeba has died aged 76, ANSA news agency reported Monday.

The Italian agency said Makeba died overnight after taking part in a concert for Roberto Saviano, a writer threatened with death by the Mafia.

The South African star was the legendary voice of the African continent who became a symbol of the fight against apartheid in her home country.

She died just after having sung for half an hour for the young author of Gomorrah at Castel Volturno near Naples along with other singers and artistes.

She was taken ill and was quickly taken to a clinic in Castel Volturno where she died of a heart attack, ANSA said.

Miriam Makeba was born in Johannesburg on March 4, 1932.-Tonight