South African jazz after apartheid: Looking for a new direction
It’s one of those historical ironies that haunts Hugh Masekela, that the good times for South African music were also the bad times for political freedom.
News Category: About Bra Hugh
Bra Hugh goes in search of SA’s rich pageant
“In Western culture, children go to ballet. There is Bach, Beethoven, who lived 500 years ago. Opera was invented 700 years ago. Yet these cultures are still retained. They were funded by the church and by royalty. Heritage has to be funded,” says the jazz legend.
Hugh Masekela Day Proclaimed in the V.I.
Governor John P. de Jongh Jr. has proclaimed March 18 on St. Croix and March 19 on St. Thomas as “Hugh Masekela Day” in the U.S. Virgin Islands in honor of the legendary South African musician.
Man with a horn gives voice to a people
“I get a little confused when artists say ‘my music,’ ” said Masekela in an interview from Los Angeles. “I don’t think anybody comes into the world with music. You find it here. I found it here.”
After Apartheid, His Music Brings Us Together
“Our heritage has been condemned over the years by religion and colonization, and by Western media and culture,” Masekela noted, “and unless African music is owned, produced, distributed, packaged, and sold by Africans to Africans in Africa, you can’t say African music is growing.”
Boston celebrates South African jazz legend
“I know it’s cold out there, Boston,” Masekela said during a song, riling up the audience. “But don’t bring it in here. I’ve seen you at those sports games. I know you’re a noisy crowd.”
Masekela: My music comes from my people
The clarion cry of Hugh Masekela’s trumpet is still insistent, still emphatic.
Umlando – Through My Father’s Eyes
ESPN ESPN to Present 10-Part Series During 2010 FIFA World Cup: Hugh and Sal Masekela Explore South Africa ESPN’s coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup [http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/index.html] will feature a 10-part series that offers an introspective look at the country of South Africa through the eyes of one of the host nation’s renowned ambassadors. In … Read more
Music Infused With Sorrow and Joy
Mr. Masekela is still haunted by the music that was everywhere during his childhood
Hugh Masekela: the birthday boy celebrates
“I’m practising more than ever now,” he explains. “My playing is more advanced than when I was 30 or 40 years old, because then I was getting by on talent. My goal is no longer about just playing my instrument but playing it with ease.”
