Early Life and Family Background
Full Name: Hugh Ramapolo Masekela
Date of Birth: April 4, 1939
Place of Birth: Witbank (now Emalahleni), South Africa
Date of Death: January 23, 2018
Place of Death: Johannesburg, South Africa
Nationality: South African
Family: Daughter – Selema Masekela (television host and journalist); Sister – Barbara Masekela (poet and activist); Nephew – Earl Sweatshirt (rapper)Time+2Wikipedia+2Pitchfork+2
Hugh Masekela was born in Witbank, South Africa, to Thomas Selena Masekela, a health inspector and sculptor, and Pauline Bowers Masekela, a social worker. Raised in a politically aware and musically enriched environment, Masekela was introduced to music early on. His first trumpet was gifted by Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, a prominent anti-apartheid activist, which marked the beginning of his musical journey.
Education and Early Musical Influences
Masekela’s formal music education began at St. Peter’s Secondary School, where he studied under Uncle Sauda, the leader of the Johannesburg “Native” Municipal Brass Band. He furthered his studies at the Guildhall School of Music in London and later at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. During his time in New York, Masekela was mentored by jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong, who encouraged him to blend his South African heritage with jazz, leading to a unique musical style that resonated globally.
Musical Career and Achievements
The Jazz Epistles and Early Career
In 1959, Masekela co-founded the Jazz Epistles, South Africa’s first all-black jazz band to record an album. This group included notable musicians like Dollar Brand (later known as Abdullah Ibrahim) and Jonas Gwangwa. Their work laid the foundation for Masekela’s future endeavors in jazz and world music.
International Success and Iconic Hits
Masekela’s international breakthrough came in 1968 with his instrumental hit “Grazing in the Grass,” which topped the U.S. pop charts and sold over four million copies. He also achieved success with “Up, Up and Away” in 1967. His collaborations with artists like Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, and Fela Kuti further solidified his global presence.
Political Activism Through Music
A staunch anti-apartheid activist, Masekela used his music to advocate for social change. His 1987 anthem “Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela)” became a rallying cry for the movement to free Nelson Mandela. Masekela’s music was integral to the soundtrack of South Africa’s liberation struggle.
Return to South Africa and Later Years
After 30 years in exile, Masekela returned to South Africa in 1990 following Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. He continued to perform and record music, releasing albums such as Hope (1994) and Jabulani (2012), which earned him Grammy nominations. In 2016, he collaborated with Nigerian drummer Tony Allen on the album Rejoice, marking his final musical project before his passing in 2018.
Awards and Honors
Masekela’s contributions to music and society were recognized through numerous awards and honors:
- Grammy Nominations:
- Best Contemporary Pop Performance for “Grazing in the Grass” (1968)
- Best Musical Cast Show Album for Sarafina! The Music of Liberation (1989)
- Best World Music Album for Jabulani (2012)
- Honors and Recognitions:
- Order of Ikhamanga in Gold (2010) – South African National Orders
- Honorary Doctorates from the University of York (2014) and Rhodes University (2015)
- MTV Africa Music Awards Legend Award (2016)
Personal Life
Masekela’s personal life was marked by his marriage to singer and activist Miriam Makeba from 1964 to 1966. He later married Chris Calloway, Jabu Mbatha, and Elinam Cofie. In his later years, he lived with dancer Nomsa Manaka. He was the father of television host Selema Masekela and the brother of poet and activist Barbara Masekela.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Hugh Masekela is remembered as “the father of South African jazz.” His innovative fusion of jazz with traditional South African music brought global attention to the richness of African musical heritage. Through his activism and music, Masekela played a pivotal role in the fight against apartheid and continues to inspire musicians and activists worldwide.
Discography Highlights
- Trumpet Africaine (1963)
- Grazing in the Grass (1968)
- Hope (1994)
- Jabulani (2012)
- Rejoice (2017) – with Tony Allen
Conclusion
Hugh Masekela’s life and work exemplify the power of music as a tool for social change and cultural expression. His legacy endures through his recordings, performances, and the ongoing influence he has on artists and activists around the world.
