The renowned performer, actor, and civil rights advocate Harry Belafonte passed suddenly at the age of 96. The cause of death was congestive heart failure. Known for his number-one singles like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” Belafonte also earned a Tony Award for his acting and had countless appearances in major motion pictures over the course of his career.
He was also well-known for his persistent activism, which included funding programmes to advance Black Americans’ civil rights, raising awareness of poverty, apartheid, and AIDS in Africa, and backing left-wing leaders like Fidel Castro of Cuba and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.
” A groundbreaking American who used his talent and voice to help redeem the soul of our nation.”
The news of the passing of Belafonte had shook the world. It sparked an outpouring of tributes from individuals across the political and cultural spectrum. As a “groundbreaking American who used his talent and voice to help redeem the soul of our nation,” US President Joe Biden praised Belafonte. News anchor Christiane Amanpour hailed him as an inspiration to generations around the world in the fight for nonviolent resistance, justice, and change.
The daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Bernice King, also paid tribute to Harry Belafonte and mentioned how he had once shown kindness to her family. She wrote that “he came through for my family in incredibly compassionate ways.” In fact, he covered the cost of the babysitter for my siblings and I. Angélique Kidjo, a Beninese-French performer, likewise lauded Belafonte. They referred to him as “the brightest star in every sense of that word.” You had an endless amount of passion for, knowledge of, and respect for Africa.
An accomplished American singer, actor, and social activist, he has dedicated his life to fighting injustice and inequity via his art. Belafonte, who was born in Harlem, New York, in 1927. He experienced racial prejudice from an early age and lived in poverty. Despite these difficulties, he went on to become one of his generation’s most popular and successful performers.
In the 1950s, Belafonte began his career as a singer. His sweet voice and endearing stage persona rapidly earned him a following. He produced a number of hits, including “The Banana Boat Song” and “Jump in the Line,” both of which are still in demand today. In addition, he had a pioneering role in popularising Calypso music, acquiring the moniker “The King of Calypso” in the process.
Belafonte, however, never saw music as only for amusement. He viewed it as a potent vehicle for bringing about social change. Throughout his career, he used his notoriety and influence to support numerous causes. Belafonte was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s close friend and ally.He was instrumental in the 1950s and 1960s civil rights struggle. He organised protests and demonstrations, helped generate money for the campaign, and even helped bail out detained protestors.
As a strong opponent of apartheid in South Africa, Belafonte also contributed to its awareness-building through his activism and music. He took involved in the creation of the anti-apartheid song “We Are the World”. He was an outspoken advocate for Nelson Mandela’s freedom.
Harry Belafonte has advocated for a variety of social and political causes throughout his life, such as the environment, poverty, and diseases like HIV and AIDS. The Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Kennedy Center Honors are two of the countless awards he has won.
His lifelong commitment to fighting for justice and equality in the US and around the globe is reflected in his legacy. Along with his renowned songs and performances, he will be remembered for his uncompromising dedication to social and political activity.