Women in History · Head-to-head
Miriam Makeba vs Corazon Aquino
Yes — based on their recorded years, Miriam Makeba (1932–2008) and Corazon Aquino (1933–2009) were alive at the same time for at least part of their lives.
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba was a South African singer and civil rights activist known as 'Mama Africa,' celebrated for bringing African music to global audiences while campaigning against apartheid.
Key achievements
- Became internationally famous for popularizing South African music styles abroad.
- Testified before the United Nations about the injustices of apartheid.
- Spent decades in exile after her South African citizenship was revoked for her activism.
- Returned to South Africa in 1990 following Nelson Mandela's release from prison.
Fast fact
After appearing in an anti-apartheid documentary, Makeba's South African citizenship and right of return were revoked by the government, forcing her into a 30-year exile.
Full profile of Miriam Makeba →Corazon Aquino
Corazon Aquino was the first female president of the Philippines, rising to power through the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended the rule of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Key achievements
- Became the leading opposition figure following her husband's 1983 assassination.
- Led the 1986 People Power Revolution, which peacefully ended Ferdinand Marcos's 20-year rule.
- Became the first female president of the Philippines, serving from 1986 to 1992.
- Oversaw the drafting of a new Philippine constitution restoring democratic institutions.
Fast fact
Aquino became a leading opposition figure after the 1983 assassination of her husband, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., and went on to lead the largely nonviolent 1986 People Power Revolution.
Full profile of Corazon Aquino →Who lived first, Miriam Makeba or Corazon Aquino?
Miriam Makeba (1932–2008) lived first, before Corazon Aquino (1933–2009), based on their recorded years.
Were Miriam Makeba and Corazon Aquino contemporaries?
Yes — based on their recorded years, Miriam Makeba (1932–2008) and Corazon Aquino (1933–2009) were alive at the same time for at least part of their lives.
What do Miriam Makeba and Corazon Aquino have in common?
Both Miriam Makeba and Corazon Aquino are grouped among our Women in History figures and lived during the Modern Era.