SFCV interviews South African trumpet player Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela: King of the Flugelhorn

Tal Skloot on March 8, 2011

Hugh Masekela is one of the most recognized, beloved figures in music. His success gave mainstream media attention to "township jazz," inspired several generations of South African musicians, and was a defining influence in shaping our perception of South African music. In this video interview, he reflects on his life and work, and what motivates him now.

The video captures footage of his recent concert for SFJazz at the Palace of Fine Arts, whose assistance was invaluable in creating the video. Also included is footage from several earlier concerts, and an audio interview with 84-year-old Harry Belafonte, a father-figure in Masekela's life, and also one of Masekela's current band members, drummer Lee-Roy Sauls.

Produced by Tritone Media

Related Article

After Apartheid, His Music Brings Us Together

By Jeff Kaliss

Hugh Masekela is one of the most recognized, beloved figures in world music. In this story, which complements the new SFCV video, Masekela tells his story to Jeff Kaliss and talks about what’s important to him now.

National Endowment for the Arts

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.