HUGH MASEKELA


As one of South Africa's most famous musicians, Hugh Masekela has achieved fame both locally and internationally. He went into exile during the 60's, touring and living in the United States, Lagos, Lesotho and Botswana where he spent most of his exiled years. Hugh is a trumpeter, composer and singer who has an electric stage presence. His music is a mix of African and American jazz, township jive and Afrobeat, infused with traditional African melodies.

Louis Armstrong, whom Hugh met in New York, gave him his first trumpet. While in exile Hugh worked with top South African and international musicians including Fela A Kuti, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu, Miriam Makeba, Jonas Gwangwa and Dudu Pukwana. More recently he has worked with Sibongile Khumalo, Kaya Mhlangu, Jabu Khanyile and the Mahotela Queens. He toured alongside Miriam Makeba, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Bakithi Khumalo on Paul Simon's Graceland tour. Hugh has released many albums both abroad and in South Africa and has had several hits on both US and local radio.

Upon his return from exile in 1990, Hugh put on a show with Sankomota and Bayete. The show toured South Africa and performed to sold out audiences. Hugh is highly respected within the music industry and continues to record albums and perform both locally and abroad.