Music In Africa remembers Hugh Masekela with these unforgettable songs

At Music In Africa we have decided to remember the musician-activist through some of his most unforgettable songs, which brought happiness and a sense of hope for South Africans and Africans alike; and although Masekela's career is too extensive (over six decades!) to contain within a single article, the following songs will give the listener an idea of the artist's philosophical insight, diverse creative approach and ceaselessly energetic demeanour. Happy birthday, Bra Hugh!

'Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela)'

This live version of 'Bring Him Back Home', the seminal anti-apartheid song, was recorded at Paul Simon's 1987 Graceland: The Africa Concert in Zimbabwe, which featured arguably South Africa's greatest musicians of all time, including the late Miriam Makeba and Ray Phiri, as well as Grammy winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo, bassist Bakithi Kumalo and keyboardist Tony Cedras, among others. It's worth mentioning that Mandela was such a  big fan of Masekela's that he managed to smuggle a letter out of the infamous Pollsmoor Prison for the jazzman's birthday in 1985.

'Stimela'

‘Stimela’ (Train) is one of Masekela’s most vivid compositions, telling the story of migrant workers coming to toil in South Africa's mines. We've chosen another live performance for this one because of the all-star ensemble backing the South African. There aren’t many musicians who get to play their own songs with Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller and Lee Ritenour. Bra Hugh truly was jazz royalty in his own right.

'Thanayi'

‘Thanayi’ features South African singer Thandiswa Mazwai and makes for a memorable duet by the two musicians. The upbeat composition takes the listener directly into township life, while its video shows Masekela's love for African dance.

'Tapera' 

This collaboration with Oliver Mtukudzi, who passed away exactly a year after Masekela, is off the No Borders album, and testament to the two veterans' decades-long relationship. “Oliver and I first met in Bulawayo in 1982," Masekela told Music In Africa in an interview published two years ago. "We have collaborated on stage several times since 1990 when I returned from exile. We did the song in Harare over a couple of hours ... We’re always the same when we meet and share many occasions of breaking bread together in our respective homes.”

‘Grazing in the Grass’

The Grammy-nominated song was released in 1968 and is a fusion of the American jazz sound and African township rhythms. Following its release, ‘Grazing in the Grass’ landed at No 1 on the US pop charts and sold more than 4 million copies. It's regarded as Masekela most memorable tune. 

‘Don't Go Lose It Baby’

This Afrobeat/disco-inspired song is one of Masekela's biggest dance hits. It has been remixed numerous times and can still be heard at retro parties around the world. ‘Don't Go Lose It Baby’ was produced and co-written by Stewart Levine, with whom Masekela ran a production company in New York City. Levine also produced ‘Grazing in the Grass’, and was one of Masekela's lifelong friends.