Hugh Masekela, who passed away on January 23, 2018 will be fondly remembered as a globally renowned trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer, singer, activist, jokester, lover, father and friend.
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As part of this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (from 27 to 29 September), at the Sandton Convention Centre, a dynamic installation will highlight Masekela’s life and work, and honour his invaluable contribution to the South African and global music landscape.
Named “No Borders,” a title which references his last studio album, the installation portrays the famous musician’s artistic journey; one that was expansive, prodigious, creative and global. It illuminates his infinite love affair with music and humanity.
The installation features an array of his horns, his portraits and his music, evoking the man’s indomitable spirit as he took his music through borders and gave the world his distinctive sound.
His creative work included a myriad of music, including anti-apartheid songs such as “Stimela” and “Bring Him Back Home”, beautiful ballads like “In The Marketplace”, jazzified traditional South African music like “Umhome”, “Bajabula Bonke”, and of course the international hit, “Grazing in the Grass”, a US No 1 pop hit in 1968 and perennial summer song. Hugh Masekela played with everyone; from The Byrds to Dave Grusin, unrecorded nights with Fela and seemingly knew every musician in the world from Salif Keita to Keiko Matsui.
The No Borders installation is curated by multi-media artist, Moratiwa Molema, and the Masekela Family. The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival and the Sandton Convention Centre are honoured and pleased to host this memorial to a true son of the soil and child of the globe.
Image Courtesy: the-star.co.ke