Featured Music

Hugh Masekela Turns 75

44

Trumpeter, flugelhornist, composer, lyricist, singer, bandleader – Hugh Masekela is many things. But he’s also a legend, an icon, in a time when those labels are all too-easily thrown around. An elder among South Africa music history, “Bra Hugh”, as he’s affectionately known, is the real deal. And not just because he turns 75 today. But because he actually earned his respect – his contribution to music, not just South African but the greater jazz genre, cannot be denied. 

From the Billboard-chart topping, 1968 Grammy-nominated single Grazin’ in the Grass, to the esteemed NYC jazz circles he moved in, which included the likes of Harry Belafonte, Miles Davis and John Coltrane, to his relationship, both professional and personal, with Miriam Makeba, and his openness in overcoming his drug and alcohol addictions, Bra Hugh’s milestone is truly worth celebrating.

To mark his 75th birthday, Bra Hugh will be spending the occasion in New York City, a place he lived for many years, in exile from Apartheid South Africa. It was in New York he studied at the Manhattan School of Music. It was in New York that he was encouraged by Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong to hone his own unique sound. And so, it will be in New York that he celebrates this milestone of birthdays.

Born in the nondescript small town of Witbank on Johannesburg’s East Rand, April 4th, 1939, Bra Hugh’s story is well-known. Given a trumpet by Father Trevor Huddleston, he soon formed the Huddleston Jazz Band, before going onto great acclaim with the Jazz Epistles (alongside Kippie Moeketsi, Abdullah Ibrahim and Jonas Gwanga).

Leaving South Africa at the age of 21, after a stop in London, he headed for New York City, where he began what would be 30 years in exile. Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, Charlie Mingus, Harry Belafonte – he mingled with them all. Even when he moved to Los Angeles, he found new fans ready to welcome him – from actor Peter Fonda to singer David Crosby. All the while, his music helped draw attention to the struggle in South Africa – Stimela and Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela) in particular.

I’ve been fortunate enough to interview him a number of times, and even though he can give journalists a hard time, I’ve found him to be quite obliging and warm in our encounters. I’ve interviewed his son too, US TV presenter Sal – an ace guy.

In the US, where he still continues to tour, Bra Hugh was honoured during the weekend of Barack Obama’s re-inauguration with the Keeper of the Flame award from the African American Churches in DC. At the time, Masekela said Obama’s second term was a dream realized. “It’s like a summary of the last 74 years of the life I have lived; where I have seen people of African ancestry all over the world march towards the gates of freedom.”

A few weeks later, he was up for his second Grammy – in the Best World Music category, but lost out to a posthumous Ravi Shankar record. Still, he keeps recording and playing his music – seeing him in Central Park during the first summer of my life in New York remains an absolute highlight. With over 40 albums under his belt, it’s worth raising a glass – albeit of sparkling water – to this titan of the music world.


photo

Hugh Masekela performs at Jazz at Lincoln Centre on Friday April 6th.

 [Top pic: hughmasekela.co.za]

44 comments

  1. Hurrah! In the end I got a website from where I can really obtain helpful facts concerning my study and
    knowledge.

  2. My developer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on a variety
    of websites for about a year and am nervous about switching
    to another platform. I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Feel free to visit my web page: playboy2

  3. I’m curious to find out what blog platform you are working with?
    I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest site and I’d like
    to find something more secure. Do you have any suggestions?

    My site Pussy888 d

  4. Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog
    post or vice-versa? My site addresses a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from
    each other. If you’re interested feel free to send me an e-mail.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!

  5. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?

    I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. However think about if you
    added some great graphics or video clips to give your posts more,
    “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and videos,
    this website could certainly be one of the very best in its
    niche. Great blog!

    Visit my web page – 918Kaya Slot (918kiss-m.com)

  7. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better!
    Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate!
    He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post
    to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

    Look at my blog – lpe88 download

  12. Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite
    reason seemed to be on the internet the simplest thing to have in mind of.

    I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while other folks consider issues that they just
    do not recognize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as neatly as outlined out the whole thing with no need side
    effect , folks can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more.
    Thanks!

    Take a look at my website http://networking.drbarbara.pl/index.php?action=profile;u=127661

  13. Hi, I log on to your new stuff regularly.
    Your writing style is awesome, keep doing what you’re doing!

  14. Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest
    authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based upon on the
    same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some
    stories/information. I know my visitors would value
    your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot
    me an email.

    My web site – https://www.indiaolx.com

  17. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve truly
    enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope
    you write again very soon!

    My blog – club suncity 11

  18. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite
    some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your
    new updates.

    Check out my web page :: Xe88 game Apk

  19. This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.

    I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post.
    Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

    Here is my web site – joker388 test id (918kiss-m.com)

  20. Just want to say your article is as amazing.

    The clearness on your put up is just cool and that i can suppose you’re knowledgeable in this subject.
    Fine with your permission let me to snatch your feed to stay up
    to date with imminent post. Thanks one million and please carry on the rewarding work.

    Feel free to surf to my web site … 918Kiss1

  22. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism
    or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of unique content I’ve
    either written myself or outsourced but it appears a
    lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission. Do you know any ways to help prevent content from being stolen? I’d certainly appreciate it.

    my blog – ace333 game

  23. Howdy, I believe your web site may be having browser compatibility problems.
    Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.
    I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
    Aside from that, excellent blog!

    My blog post: sgbet99

  24. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website.

    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appeal.
    I must say you have done a awesome job with this.
    In addition, the blog loads super quick for me on Internet explorer.
    Excellent Blog!

    My page: sky777

  25. I seriously love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme.
    Did you develop this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my very own site
    and would love to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is named.
    Thank you!

    My website: 918kiss plus

  27. Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out.
    Please let me know where you got your design. Thanks

    Here is my site … live22 casino Apk

  28. Howdy! This blog post could not be written much better!
    Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He constantly kept preaching about this. I’ll forward this information to him.
    Pretty sure he’s going to have a very good read.

    Thanks for sharing!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.