Showtime People

August 20, 2011

Africa youths converse with Hugh Masekela

With many albums, hits and live performances all over the world in his pocket, Masekela at 72, still has an extremely active music career and is in touch with the latest music trends (he’s worked with Black Coffee, Lira, Zwai Bala, Thandiswa Mazwai).

He had plenty to say about politics, music and African heritage in his chat at Johannesburg’s scenic Moyo restaurant at Zoo Lake.

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Bra Hugh, as he is affectionately known, picked up his first trumpet at 14 and was part of the legendary Sophiatown era in South Africa, before going into exile in America; living in West Africa; touring the world and releasing countless international hits including his Grammy nominated 1968 US number 1 Grazin in The Grass.

Hugh’s voice and music were instrumental in the struggle against apartheid, and he returned from exile after Nelson Mandela’s 90s release from jail. In 2003 he released his best-selling autobiography Still Grazing: The musical journeys of Hugh Masekela, which covered his loves, including ex wife Miriam Makeba, his drug and alcohol addiction and being a musician.

Engaging with Masekela on MTV Base meets…with MTN are Zimbabwean rapper Zubz, South African blogger, columnist and fashion store owner Milisuthando Bongela, Nigerian musician Adey Omotade, South African stand up comedian and student Mojak Lehoko and Congolese stylist and journalism student Patricia Muauka Muembo.