Hugh Masekela
Hugh Masekela – Shaping the Winds of Change
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“Celebrate your culture everyday through music, art, and books, which bring you the beautiful stories of your people – it is the ultimate self-love!”
-Hugh Masekela
The Artist:
Hugh Masekela, one of South Africa’s most versatile and passionate artists, has worked the majority of his life to create a fresh new jumping sound that combines his South African roots with the heartfelt jazz of America. Masekela’s mastery with the trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, and cornet over the past four decades has labeled him as legendary in the world of jazz and blues. Playing piano and singing at an early age gave Masekela the foundation he needed to express the difficulties he and his people faced in the 1950s and 60s.
Masekela has always believed in the importance of using music as a vessel to deliver a message that will make a difference; when the Apartheid condition worsened in South Africa, his passion for his homeland inspired him to write many controversial political songs expressing his concern for the violence. The most famous of these is the song that became an anthem to Nelson Mandela’s world tour following his release from prison, “Bring Him Back Home.” His biggest hit, “Grazin’ in the Grass” put him on the map in 1968 by selling four million copies worldwide. That year Masekela’s song was number one on the charts, beating out pop hits like “Hey Jude” and “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” Despite this success, Masekela is often described as humble, and you will not frequently find him seeking out the spotlight. Now in his mid-seventies, he is still touring and tenaciously playing his soulful music. Masekela is always reaching out to his audience through his music and has been truly inspiring to people across the globe. The Song:
“To see Hugh Masekela is like watching a fearless giant of an artist with the spirit and playfulness of a joyful young boy – pure inspiration. To meet him is an honor. Like his music, he carries great energy and insight, surrounded by grace and humility – a teacher to us all.” – Frank Fitzpatrick
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