It is not pronounced as per Tommy Makem, but as mackem. It is derived from make but is pronounced mack in Newcastle and in much of Scotland, in 'The Wark O' the Weavers' there are the lines,.....

"For there's nae a trade amang them a' can either mend or mak',
Gin it qasna for the wark o' the weavers."
Wark o' the Weavers
Giok