Nelson Mandela has led tributes to the South African singer Miriam Makeba, who has died aged 76.

The former South African President called the singer the country's “first lady of song” and said she “richly deserved the title of Mama Afrika”.

Makeba died after collapsing during a concert in Italy on Sunday. It's understood she suffered a heart attack.

In a statement, Mr Mandela said: "Her music inspired a powerful sense of hope in all of us.

“Even after she returned home she continued to use her name to make a difference by mentoring musicians and supporting struggling young women.”

He added that it was "fitting" that the singer had died while performing.

Makeba, who was born in 1932, was regarded as a symbol in the fight against apartheid.

She was also the first African woman to win a Grammy Award.

(by Jason Gregory)