Hugh Masekela (South Africa) Revival

The Artist

Hugh Masekela, born in Johannesburg in 1939, is South Africa's musical ambassador to the world, with over 30 albums released during his career. His trumpet has been an instrument of resistance and a call to freedom for his people. His powerful blend of jazz, funk and afro-beat has mourned the tragedy of apartheid and rejoiced its final demise.

In 1961 Masekela went into exile in the U.S., where Harry Belafonte helped him settle as a student at the Manhattan School of Music in New York. While in New York, Masekela recorded his 1968 number one hit "Grazing in the Grass."

Masekela went on to perform with Paul Simon on the Graceland tour and vigorously defended Simon when the tour was seen as a violation of the African National Congress' cultural boycott against South Africa. His 1987 hit "Bring Him Back Home" became the anthem for Nelson Mandela's world tour following his release from prison in 1992.

Hugh Masekela is a globally renowned trumpeter, having performed with artists ranging from Louis Armstrong to Paul Simon, Adrian Belew and The Byrds. In addition, Masekela was instrumental in the conception of the Broadway smash musical "Sarafina."

"I'm the sum total of my influences; I don't categorize myself", says Masekela. "Because I got into music as a child, I still have a very childlike approach to it. I'm just passionate and eclectic about it."

With the end of Apartheid, Masekela now lives at home in South Africa and still tours extensively throughout the world.

The Album

Upon Masekela's return to South Africa, after many years of living in exile, he discovered a community of young and largely unheard musicians experimenting with the mixing of different musical styles. Most of these young musicians were suffering under Africa's penchant for strictly segregating different styles and categories of music. Masekela began to explore the world of R&B and rap by hiring two young producers from the "kwaito" world of music, Africa's extension of the U.S.'s blend of hip-hop and rap.

The result is "Revival", Masekela's first album reflecting the current musical trends in South Africa by combining elements of jazz, hip-hop and rap with ethnic South African influences. "Revival" is a vibrant and adventurous "world music" wall of sound. Traditional jazz and Masekela's trademark super-smooth solos on the trumpet and flugelhorn are blended throughout this album featuring fresh new talent.

One of our favorite tracks is the upbeat and fun "District Six" featuring vocalist Corlea. Masekela complements Corlea's soulful voice and Themba Mokeona's guitar with his soaring flugelhorn solos.

A must listen!

Discography

Time (2002)
Greatest Hits (2001)
Sixty (2000)
Black To The Future (1998)
Notes Of Life (1995)
Hope (1993)
Uptownship (1988)
Live At The Montreux Jazz Festival (1987)
Tomorrow (1986)
BBC Radio I Live In Concert (1985)
Waiting For The Rain (1985)
Home (1982)
Live In Lesotho (1980)
Herb Alpert/Hugh Masekela (1978)
Main Event Live (1978)
You Told Your Mama Not To Worry (1977)
Melody Maker (1976)
Colonial Man (1975)
The Boy's Doin' It (1975)
I Am Not Afraid (1974)
Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz (1973)
Home Is Where The Music Is (1972)
Hugh Masekela & The Union Of South Africa (1971)
Reconstruction (1970)
Grazing In The Grass (1969)
Africa '68 (1968)
Masekela (1968)
The Promise Of A Future (1968)
Hugh Masekela Is Alive And Well At The Whiskey (1967)
Hugh Masekela's Latest (1967)
Hugh Masekela's Next Album (1966)
The Emancipation Of Hugh Masekela (1966)
Grrr (1965)
The Americanzation Of Ooga Booga (1965)
The Lasting Impression Of Hugh Masekela (1965)
Trumpet Africaine (1963)