Miriam Makeba | Unisex Eco-friendly Hoodie

A drawing by artist Amandine Szczepaniak

Mama Africa, the power of the collective in the details. Amandine Szczepaniak portrays Miriam Makeba as the matriarch of the anti-apartheid struggle, incorporating patterns entirely imagined from tiny ants into her African pagne. She draws inspiration from Makeba’s own words, as she identified with their strength—far greater than their size—in bearing the weight of racism.

Much like an anthill is patiently constructed, the drawing tells the story of struggles sustained by perseverance, solidarity, and the strength to move forward together. On this hoodie, the colorful portrait keeps the memory of Mama Africa alive and invites you to discover the little ants within the pagne.

With jeans or under an open jacket, this unisex sweatshirt combines the striking visual of the drawing with the softness of organic cotton and recycled polyester. An everyday piece to keep close to you the voice that sang of freedom, justice, and African unity.

Sweatshirt features

A comfortable, functional, and socially conscious essential. This unisex hoodie combines organic cotton and recycled polyester to offer softness, warmth, and durability for everyday wear.

Material: 85% ring-spun combed organic cotton, 15% recycled polyester
Fit: relaxed / Weight: 281.42 g/m² (8.3 oz/yd²)
Set-in sleeves

The fabric of this product holds certifications for its organic cotton content

*Sizes run larger on the European market. Customers in this region should order one size down.

THE VOICE OF THE ANTI-APARTHEID STRUGGLE

MIRIAM MAKEBA (1932-2008) - SOUTH AFRICA

Born in 1932 in Sophiatown, a popular neighborhood in Johannesburg, Miriam Makeba sang in local bands before acting in an anti-apartheid film, which forced her into exile in 1960. In the United States, she used her immense musical success to call for a boycott of the apartheid regime. A supporter of the civil rights movement and wife of activist Stokely Carmichael, she later went into exile in Guinea. Singing for peace, freedom, justice, and equality in many languages, her commitment to African unity earned her multiple passports and the title "Mama Africa." She did not return to South Africa until after Nelson Mandela's release in 1990. She passed away on November 9, 2008, in Naples at the end of a concert given in support of Roberto Saviano, an Italian writer engaged in the fight against the mafia.

About the artist

After a background in crafts and fashion, Amandine Szczepaniak joined the Toulouse School of Fine Arts in 2010, where she found in watercolor a space to explore time, balancing control with letting go. Also a storyteller, author, and illustrator, she published her first children’s book, “Gaston au Muséum,” with École des loisirs in 2016. Her work combines imagery and language with poetry and humor.

A creation by artist Amandine Szczepaniak

Size guide