The South African trumpeter, singer and composer’s album launch is scheduled for Gold Reef City-The Lyric Theatre on April 14.
This follows hot on the heels the Honorary Doctorate in Music, conferred to him by the University of KwaZulu Natal recently.
From now on he will be addressed as Dr Masekela.
Bra Hugh or well known by his maiden name Ramopolo from Mpumalanga, draws inspiration from young to old and his latest offering ‘No Borders’ attest to that.
The album features collaborations with top stars such as Zimbabwean born but SA based Oliver Mtukudzi, Micasa’s- J Something, guitarist Themba Mokoena, Salema Masekela and Sunny Levin.
“Last year I cut down my performances because the travelling was becoming strenuous. I’ve been doing it for long enough and I’m slowly getting more involved in in television and film productions,” commented Dr Masekela during interview with IOL, when asked why he took long to produce an album.
Asked what influenced the album ‘No Borders’ bra Hugh said, it was a host of African nationals living together in Yeoville-Rockey Street, as they were shooting the video.
“I witnessed a host of African nationals living together in harmony and trading freely amongst other South Africans. It feels like a major no borders community and it was a joy to see that. What we’re trying to do in extricating these people from our country will never happen because they’re ensconced and happy together with our people.
The atmosphere and environment is very beautiful and they all support each other. They’re the kind of community Africa should be.”
On J-Something he pointed out that: “He’s a wonderful young man, talented and keen to learn. We’ve become very good friends. He’s also a great chef, so we have a lot of food.”
“We’re planning a few things together. We’re gonna do another duet together for one of the songs I wrote called Too Late For Xenophobia.”
They shot the video for Heaven In You together.
Yes, I would have expected Dr Masekela to also feature Thandiswa Mazwai in the album, alas not!
“Hugh Masekela has been celebrated by many over the years, and we are glad to be amongst those celebrating him and his work. As an artist, he is a huge advocate of culture and heritage. It thus gives us the greatest pleasure to host the legend himself at Gold Reef City, for we believe our past had a tremendous hand in shaping our rich heritage,” says Gareth Kaschula, Gold Reef City Marketing Manager.
During the album launch, Masekela will also perform a mix of old and new songs during this not-to-be-missed show.
One of these Days, Shuffle and Bow and Shango, are some of the tracks featured in the new album.
Tickets are available at goldreefcity.co.za and through Computicket, and prices range from R300 – R550.
The show starts at 8pm.
Tweet: Catch SA jazz icon @HughMasekela live @GoldReefCitySA on 14 April 2017 as part of @KayaFM Bassline Live Series #LoveGRC
