Hugh Masekela
Early Life and Education
Hugh Masekela was born on April 4, 1939, in Witbank, South Africa. His early exposure to music came from his grandmother, who ran an illegal bar where she hosted local musicians. Masekela's interest in music was further nurtured when he received his first trumpet, a gift from Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, an anti-apartheid activist. This gift marked the beginning of Masekela's lifelong passion for music. He attended St. Peter's Secondary School in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, where he joined the school band, the Huddleston Jazz Band, named after the Archbishop.
Musical Career
Early Career
Masekela's professional career began in the 1950s when he joined the African Jazz Revue. He later became a member of the Jazz Epistles, the first African jazz group to record an LP. The group included notable musicians such as Dollar Brand and Kippie Moeketsi. Their music was a fusion of African sounds and jazz, which laid the groundwork for Masekela's future explorations in music.
Exile and International Success
In 1960, following the Sharpeville Massacre and the increasing oppression of apartheid, Masekela went into exile. He traveled to London and then to the United States, where he studied at the Manhattan School of Music. During this period, he was influenced by the burgeoning jazz scene and collaborated with artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong. His time in the U.S. was pivotal in shaping his musical style, which combined jazz with South African musical elements.
Masekela's breakthrough came with the release of "Grazing in the Grass" in 1968, which became a number one hit on the American pop charts. This success established him as an international star and brought attention to South African music.
Return to Africa
In the 1970s, Masekela returned to Africa, where he continued to develop his music. He collaborated with musicians across the continent, including Fela Kuti in Nigeria. This period was marked by a deepening of his musical exploration, as he incorporated more traditional African sounds and themes into his work. His album "Home Is Where the Music Is" is a testament to this fusion, blending jazz with African rhythms and melodies.
Activism and Legacy
Masekela was not only a musician but also a vocal critic of apartheid. His music often carried political messages, and he used his platform to raise awareness about the struggles in South Africa. Songs like "Soweto Blues," sung by Miriam Makeba, highlighted the plight of South Africans under apartheid.
After the end of apartheid, Masekela returned to South Africa in 1990. He continued to perform and record music, becoming a symbol of resilience and cultural pride. His contributions to music and activism were recognized with numerous awards, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold, South Africa's highest honor for excellence in the arts.
Musical Style and Influence
Masekela's music is characterized by its blend of jazz, funk, and traditional African music. His trumpet playing is noted for its bright, clear tone and emotive quality. He was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, from American jazz to African folk music, and his work has inspired countless musicians around the world.
His collaborations with artists from different genres and cultures have demonstrated the universal language of music. Masekela's ability to transcend cultural and musical boundaries has made him a pivotal figure in the world of music.
Discography
Masekela's discography is extensive, with over 40 albums released throughout his career. Some of his most notable works include:
- "The Americanization of Ooga Booga" (1966)
- "Grazing in the Grass" (1968)
- "Home Is Where the Music Is" (1972)
- "Techno-Bush" (1984)
- "Hope" (1994)
These albums showcase his versatility as a musician and his ability to innovate within the jazz genre.