Mariam Makeba From Michigan to Maputo, fans of Miriam Makeba are mourning the unexpected passing of a human rights champion and beloved musical icon whose distinctive style captivated the world in the 1960s and 1970s, combining traditional African melodies, jazz and folk with the unique and dynamic rhythms of South Africa's black townships.

Makeba had been performing in Italy, paying homage to six Africans killed by the Camorra mafia and to the Italian journalist Roberto Saviano who exposed the murders and was himself threatened with death, when she was stricken and died in a local hospital early Nov. 10.

Former President Nelson Mandela, now in his 91st year, led the tributes to Makeba. "She was South Africa's first lady of song and so richly deserved the title of Mama Afrika," he said. "The sudden passing of our beloved Miriam has saddened us … For many decades, starting in the years before we went to prison, MaMiriam featured prominently in our lives."

A Grammy award winner, Makeba knew and performed with Harry Belafonte and Hugh Masakela, and hundreds of world-class musicians. Her outspoken witness before the United Nations in 1963 to the evils of apartheid caused her expulsion from as a "terrorist." It took her 27 years to go back to South Africa after a personal request from the then President Mandela.

"Godspeed to you Mama Africa for your labor here on earth has been fulfilled," wrote Belinda M. Sanders in a moving online tribute. "I am grateful to have had the pleasure of seeing you in concert in Flint, Michigan. I shall always remember your melodious voice. I was moved by the passion you exuded through song and stage presence."

"The mortal remains of South Africa's Goodwill Ambassador Miriam Makeba" will be returned to South Africa on Nov. 12," a government spokesman said.