"I have to go and say farewell to all the countries that I have been to, if I can. I am 73 now, it is taxing on me"

Miriam Makeba, renowned as "Mom Africa", was not just a vocalist but a prominent civil liberties activist and a sign of strength and hope. The quote you provided speaks volumes about her life journey, reflecting a deep connection to the nations she checked out and individuals she touched through her music and activism.

At the age of 73, Makeba was contemplating a significant job: stating farewell to all the countries she had been to. This desire likely stemmed from a profound gratitude and an inner voice to the locations and individuals she connected with throughout her profession. Each see to these countries was not simply about performance; it had to do with forging connections, supporting freedom efforts, and utilizing her voice as a tool for change. Her journeys typically had political and emotional significance, transcending simple artistry.

Her recommendation of the task being "taxing" underscores the physical and psychological toll such a journey would require. At 73, Makeba was acutely aware of her mortality and the constraints that age enforces. Yet, her resolve to undertake this journey, if possible, highlights her unwavering dedication and the importance she placed on expressing thankfulness and closing chapters with self-respect. It also mirrors the spirit of ubuntu, a Southern African philosophy emphasizing common connection and regard.

Through this quote, Makeba might likewise be assessing the transient nature of life and the significance of bye-byes. Her option of the word "goodbye" suggests a significant departure, potentially marking completion of an age in her life. It is a poignant reminder of her exile years-- when her advocacy caused decades away from her South African homeland-- and her eventual return. This personal history of displacement and reunion most likely fueled her desire to personally bid farewell to the worldwide neighborhood that had supported her throughout her life.

In essence, the quote catches Makeba's profound sense of gratitude and obligation, showing how her life's work transcended the stage and left an enduring mark on the world.