WeeklySA_AdminDIVERSE: Four-day musical homage brings Hugh Masekela’s legacy to life through jazz, memory and cross-continental collaboration…
By Jacob Mawela
A four-day musical tribute to the late jazz legend Hugh Masekela opened to an electrifying reception at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, setting the tone for a richly layered celebration of one of South Africa’s most globally revered cultural icons.
The production, a collaboration between the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation and Joburg Theatre, brings together a diverse line-up of artists from South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Denmark. Directed by James Ngcobo, with musical direction by trumpeter and bandleader Sydney Mavundla, the show blends theatre and music into a powerful narrative tribute.
Ngcobo’s theatrical vision transforms the main stage into a living archive of Masekela’s life and artistry, while Mavundla’s ensemble anchors the production with a brass-driven sound that echoes the spirit of the legendary trumpeter.
The opening number Blues for Huey immediately set the tone — a reminder of Masekela’s deep engagement with political consciousness and his years in exile, where music became both protest and expression.
Congolese Afro-pop star Tresor brought a continental dimension to the evening, performing Vasco da Gama and the crowd-pleasing The Boys are Doing It, underscoring Masekela’s enduring vision of African musical unity.
Singer Zoe Modiga followed with a soulful reinterpretation of Marketplace, bridging generations and reaffirming Masekela’s influence on contemporary artists.
One of the evening’s most surprising moments came from Denmark’s Baobab Sisters, whose multilingual rendition of Mangwane — delivered in Setswana and Xitsonga — drew enthusiastic applause, highlighting the global reach of Masekela’s music.
Percussionist Godfrey Mngcina energised the audience with a lively performance of Khawuleza, before Afro-jazz icon Judith Sephuma delivered a poignant rendition of Soweto Blues. Accompanied by archival images from photographer Peter Magubane, the performance resonated deeply, evoking the historical weight of the 1976 student uprising.
Veteran musician Vusi Mahlasela added further depth with spirited performances of Chileshe and Ha le Se le li Khanna, captivating the audience with both his vocals and stage presence.
Supporting vocalists, including an Ekurhuleni-based a cappella quartet, provided rich harmonies throughout the evening, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the production.
Beyond the stage, the theatre buzzed with who’s-who of Johannesburg’s cultural and business community. Among those in attendance were members of the Masekela family, including his daughter, Motlalepula, and his sister Barbara.
The foyer experience added another layer to the tribute, with memorabilia on display — including Masekela’s original trumpet, famously gifted to him by Louis Armstrong, offering fans a tangible connection to the icon’s legacy.
More than just a concert, the production stands as a celebration of heritage, storytelling and Pan-African identity — a reminder that Masekela’s voice, both musical and political, continues to resonate across generations and borders.
As the performances continue over the four-day run, one message remains clear: the spirit of Hugh Masekela lives on — not only in memory, but in every note played and every story told.
