Hugh Masekela: The Father of South African Jazz
Early Life and Introduction to Music
Hugh Ramapolo Masekela was born on April 4, 1939, in the township of KwaGuqa in Witbank, now known as Emalahleni, South Africa. His parents were Thomas Selena Masekela, a health inspector and sculptor, and Pauline Bowers Masekela, a social worker. Masekela was largely raised by his grandmother, who ran an illegal bar for miners. At the age of 14, after seeing the film “Young Man with a Horn”, Masekela was inspired to take up the trumpet.
The Formation of the Huddleston Jazz Band
Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, the anti-apartheid chaplain at St. Peter’s Secondary School, bought Masekela his first trumpet from a local music store. Masekela quickly mastered the instrument and his schoolmates also became interested in playing instruments. This led to the formation of the Huddleston Jazz Band, South Africa’s first youth orchestra. When Louis Armstrong heard of this band from his friend Huddleston, he sent one of his own trumpets as a gift for Hugh.
Career Beginnings and Anti-Apartheid Activism
By 1956, after leading other ensembles, Masekela joined Alfred Herbert’s African Jazz Revue. From 1954, Masekela played music that closely reflected his life experience. The agony, conflict, and exploitation South Africa faced during the 1950s and 1960s inspired him to make music and also spread political change. He was an artist who vividly portrayed the struggles and sorrows, as well as the joys and passions of his country. His music protested about apartheid, slavery, government, and the hardships individuals were living.
International Success and Influence
Masekela was known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs such as “Soweto Blues” and “Bring Him Back Home”. He also had a number-one US pop hit in 1968 with his version of “Grazing in the Grass”. Masekela’s music reached a large population that also felt oppressed due to the country’s situation.
Later Life and Legacy
In March 1960, following the Sharpeville massacre where 69 people protesting against racist laws were shot dead by police, Masekela fled the country. He settled in New York where he studied at the Manhattan School of Music. He was unable to return to South Africa for 30 years. Masekela passed away on January 23, 2018, in Johannesburg, South Africa. His music and activism left a lasting impact, earning him the title of “the father of South African jazz”.
- “Grazing in the Grass” – This is perhaps Masekela’s most famous song. It was a number one hit in the United States in 1968. The song is a light, upbeat instrumental that showcases Masekela’s skill on the trumpet.
- “Coal Train (Stimela)” – This song is a powerful commentary on the labor conditions for black men in South Africa. The song’s lyrics tell the story of men leaving their homes to work in the coal mines, where they endure harsh conditions.
- “Witch Doctor” – This song showcases Masekela’s ability to blend traditional African rhythms with jazz elements. The song features a driving beat and a catchy trumpet melody.
- “Ibala Lam” – This song is a beautiful ballad that showcases Masekela’s softer side. The song features a slow, melodic trumpet line and heartfelt lyrics.
- “Mahlalela” – This song is a collaboration with Letta Mbulu. The song is a lively, upbeat tune that showcases both artists’ talents.
- “Bring Back Nelson Mandela” – This song was a rallying cry for the anti-apartheid movement. The song’s lyrics express the longing for Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the end of apartheid.
- “Sossie/Makoti” – This song is a lively, upbeat tune that showcases Masekela’s skill on the trumpet. The song features a catchy melody and a driving rhythm.
- “Use Mncane (Little One)” – This song is a beautiful ballad that showcases Masekela’s softer side. The song features a slow, melodic trumpet line and heartfelt lyrics.
- “The Boy’s Doin’ It” – This song is a lively, upbeat tune that showcases Masekela’s skill on the trumpet. The song features a catchy melody and a driving rhythm.
- “Thanayi” – This song is a powerful commentary on the labor conditions for black men in South Africa. The song’s lyrics tell the story of men leaving their homes to work in the coal mines, where they endure harsh conditions.
