Hugh Masekela: The Western Influence on African Youth plus Music Performance
One of the giants of South African music, Hugh Masekela’s work has closely charted the history of his country of birth. Throughout the 60s and 70s the legendary trumpeter’s music was inspired by the hardships and humiliations visited on his countrymen by the apartheid regime. Throughout his career he has remained outspoken on civil rights, and he has been steadfast in articulating and defending the heritage and culture of his fellow countrymen.
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ABOUT Hugh Masekela
“Hugh Masekela is a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer, and singer. His musical styles have ranged from township jazz and blues to funk and rock; he has toured with Paul Simon and appeared on stage with U2 and many others.
His music vividly portrays the struggles and sorrows, as well as the joys and passions of his country. His music protested about apartheid, slavery, government; the hardships individuals were living. In 2003, he was featured in the documentary film Amandla!
In 2004, he released his autobiography, ‘Still Grazing: The Musical Journey of Hugh Masekela’, co-authored with journalist D. Michael Cheers that thoughtfully detailed his struggles against apartheid in his homeland, as well as his personal struggles against alcoholism from the late 1970s through to the 1990s.
In 2010, Hugh Masekela was featured, with his son Salema, in a series of videos on ESPN. The series, called “Umlando: Through my Father’s Eyes” was aired in 10 parts during ESPN’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The series focused on Hugh and Sal’s travels through South Africa. Hugh brought his son to the places he grew up. It was Sal’s first trip.”
The VIDEO
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