Masekela

Biography

Hugh Ramapolo Masekela was born on April 4, 1939, in Witbank, South Africa, and emerged as one of the country's most influential jazz musicians and anti-apartheid activists. From a young age, Masekela displayed a deep affinity for music, inspired by American jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie, as well as traditional South African sounds. At 14, he received his first trumpet from Father Trevor Huddleston, a prominent advocate for equal rights, which set him on the path to becoming a pioneering figure in South African jazz. He co-founded the Jazz Epistles, the first African jazz group to record an LP, and quickly gained recognition for his skill and innovative style.

Masekela's career spanned continents and genres, blending American jazz with South African mbaqanga, funk, and pop. Forced into exile due to apartheid, he lived and performed in the United States, Europe, and Africa, recording over forty albums and collaborating with artists such as Miriam Makeba, Paul Simon, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. His music became a powerful voice against apartheid, with songs like 'Soweto Blues' and 'Bring Him Back Home' serving as anthems for the movement. Masekela returned to South Africa in 1991 and continued to tour and record, leaving a legacy as a musical innovator and a defiant political voice.

Fun Facts

• Masekela was the first African jazz musician to record an LP with the Jazz Epistles.
• He was inspired to play the trumpet after watching the film 'Young Man with a Horn' and hearing jazz legends on 78 RPM records.
• Masekela set up a mobile studio in Botswana in the 1980s, further developing his unique musical style.
• His song 'Bring Him Back Home' became the anthem for Nelson Mandela's world tour after his release from prison.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Father Trevor Huddleston - Provided Masekela with his first trumpet and encouraged his musical development (Formation of the Huddleston Jazz Band) [1953]
• Uncle Sauda - Taught Masekela the rudiments of trumpet playing (Johannesburg 'Native' Municipal Brass Band) [1953]

Key Collaborators

• Miriam Makeba - Frequent musical collaborator and former spouse (Joint recordings and performances) [1959–1966]
• Paul Simon - Collaborated on the Graceland tour and album (Graceland tour, featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo) [1980s]
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Performed together on the Graceland tour (Graceland tour) [1980s]
• Herb Alpert - Collaborated on recordings and albums (Joint albums and recordings) [1970s–1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Contemporary South African jazz musicians - Inspired a generation of artists through his fusion of jazz and African styles (Various jazz and world music projects) [1960s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Yei Baa Gbe Wolo (Rekpete Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz)
2. Rekpete (Rekpete Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz)
3. Kaa Ye Oya (Rekpete Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz)
4. Adade (Rekpete Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz)
5. Patience (Rekpete Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz)
6. When (Rekpete Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz)
7. Nye Tamo Ame (Fejl På CD) (Rekpete Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz)
8. Languta (Error on CD) (Rekpete Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz)
9. REKPETE (Rekpete Introducing HEDZOLEH SOUNDZ)
10. KAA YE OYA (Rekpete Introducing HEDZOLEH SOUNDZ)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia