Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela was a renowned South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, singer, and bandleader who was an iconic figure in African music and a leading exponent of jazz and Afrobeat. He was influenced by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis, and collaborated with notable musicians such as Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, and Manu Dibango. Masekela's music often incorporated elements of traditional South African music, blues, and soul music, and he was known for his energetic live performances, which often featured dancing and storytelling. He was also a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement, and his music reflected his commitment to social justice and human rights, as seen in his work with organizations such as the African National Congress and the United Nations.

Early Life and Education

Masekela was born in Witbank, South Africa, and began playing the trumpet at the age of 14, inspired by the film Young Man with a Horn, which starred Kirk Douglas as a trumpet player. He attended St. Peter's Secondary School in Johannesburg, where he met his future collaborator, Jonas Gwangwa, and began performing with local jazz bands, including the Huddleston Jazz Band, which was led by Trevor Huddleston. Masekela later attended the London School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where he studied with Dizzy Gillespie and Charles Mingus. He also performed with notable musicians such as John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and Charlie Parker at venues like the Village Vanguard and the Blue Note Jazz Club.

Music Career

Masekela's music career spanned over five decades, during which he released numerous albums and collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, and Paul Simon. He was a key figure in the development of Afrobeat, a genre that combined elements of traditional African music, jazz, and funk, and was influenced by musicians such as Fela Kuti and King Sunny Adé. Masekela's most famous song, "Grazin' in the Grass", was a hit in 1968 and featured a saxophone solo by Philly Joe Jones. He also performed at numerous music festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, and worked with organizations such as the Jazz Foundation of America and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.

Personal Life

Masekela was married to Miriam Makeba from 1964 to 1966, and the couple had a daughter, Pumla Makeba, who is also a musician. He later married Elinam Cofie and had a son, Sal Masekela, who is a television presenter and journalist. Masekela was also a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement, and was a close friend of Nelson Mandela, who was a key figure in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Masekela performed at numerous benefit concerts and rallies in support of the African National Congress and other organizations working to end apartheid, including the Free Mandela Concert at Wembley Stadium in 1988.

Discography

Masekela released over 40 albums during his career, including Trumpet Africaine (1962), The Americanization of Ooga Booga (1975), and Black to the Future (1998). He also collaborated with other musicians on numerous compilation albums and soundtracks, including the soundtrack for the film Sarafina! (1992), which featured music by Mbongeni Ngema and Caiphus Semenya. Some of his notable albums include "The Chisa Years", "Homecoming", and "Jabulani", which featured guest appearances by musicians such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Ray Phiri.

Awards and Legacy

Masekela won numerous awards during his career, including a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album in 2012 for his album "Jabulani". He was also awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in 2010 by the South African government for his contributions to music and social justice. Masekela's legacy continues to be celebrated through his music and his commitment to social justice, and he remains an iconic figure in African music and jazz. He was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 African Music Awards and was inducted into the South African Music Hall of Fame in 2017. His music has been featured in various films and documentaries, including "Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony", which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2003. Category:South African musicians