About

He was born in 1939 in Witbank, South Africa, and showed a talent for the trumpet at a young age. Masekela's music was influenced by his experiences growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, and he used his music as a form of political activism. Masekela gained international recognition with his hit song "Grazing in the Grass" in 1968, which reached the top of the charts in the United States. He went on to collaborate with various musicians and bands, including Paul Simon and his Graceland album. Throughout his career, Masekela released over 40 albums and received numerous accolades for his musical contributions. In addition to his musical career, Masekela was also involved in activism and played a significant role in the anti-apartheid movement. He spent many years in exile due to his political activism, but returned to South Africa after the fall of apartheid in the 1990s. Masekela continued to use his music to address social and political issues, focusing on themes such as poverty, migration, and cultural identity. Hugh Masekela passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional musical talent and activism. He was hailed as one of South Africa's greatest musicians and a true pioneer of African jazz. Masekela's contributions to both the music industry and the fight against apartheid have left an indelible mark on South African history. Today, his music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.