Many jazz lovers have welcomed the honouring of world renowned musician Hugh Masekela at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival for his musical prowess and lifelong commitment to the music.
He first performed at the festival 18 years ago.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also attended the musical tribute to Masekela at the weekend.
Some of those who attended the festival had this to say about the man who was affectionately called Bro Hugh.
“I feel I knew Bro Hugh’s music. I think the tribute to him was awesome, best time ever. The train, Stimela … the choo-choo is the best song ever,” says one of the music lovers.
Let’s be proud of being African
The 19th annual installment of Africa’s Grandest Gathering saw over 40 local and international acts take to the stage to wow audiences till the early hours of the morning.
The tribute show was produced by Masekela’s family. His nephew Selema Makgothi Masekela performed one of his uncle’s greatest hits “stimela”.
“He was a great carrier of our culture, he was a person that stood as a beacon for South Africa, speaking the voice of the people. So I will definitely say just as Africans, let’s be proud of being African. Let’s not forget where we come from, let’s speak our languages. Let’s wear our hair naturally, let’s wear our African attire and let’s be proud of being African, I think that’s one thing that he definitely left us.”
