Award-winning musician Thandiswa Mazwai is set to pay tribute to legendary jazz icon Hugh Masekela at the Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival 80th Birthday Edition. The star will perform with a selection of his music from his lesser-known songs alongside the Hugh Masekela Band.
Thandiswa expressed that the performance is bittersweet. She said in part: “I obviously love Bra Hugh’s music, but I’m very sad that he is no longer with us. I am afraid I might cry on stage. I have been a huge fan of Hughey since I was 14. My fist performance with him was with my high school choir. Our friendship was one of the most important relationships of my life, nothing could prepare me for doing Hughey’s music without him, so this is a very special show for me.”
The fifth installment of the festival and the first one since Hugh’s death coincides with what would have been his 80th birthday. Other artists who will hit the stage include Sjava, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Madala Kunene, Thabang Tabane, Bombshelter Beast, Sun Xa Experiment, Luma and the BaTswana dance ensemble New Moon.
The Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival 80th Birthday Edition will take place on 9 November at the The Soweto Theatre Precinct.
Thandiswa Mazwai to pay tribute to Hugh Masekela. We can’t wait to see what she and the Hugh Masekela band have in store!
