The songs that defined Hugh Masekela’s career

At first, Masekela emulated his American influences during his time in exile and redefined himself with each passing year. When he returned to South Africa in 1990, he continued to stay relevant by working with young musicians.

Although five songs could never account for the maestro’s entire career, they do represent a musician who lived through important musical eras in which he constantly redefined his take on jazz. They also represent Africa’s long history of black oppression and the fight against minority rule.

Stimela (1994)

‘Stimela’ (Coal Train) is among one of the major songs of Masekela’s career. The song resonated with people as it told the story of migrant workers from across the continent who worked in deplorable conditions in the mines of South Africa.

Send Me (2002)

South Africa is a country with a complex socio-political landscape. In ‘Send Me’, Masekela paints a picture of the injustices in the country while at the same time trying to play a curative role. He says that he wants to be there when issues such as AIDS are solved.

Makoti (2012)

‘Makoti’ is a wedding celebration song. The video below is humorous because it shows Bro Hugh gate-crashing his former lover’s wedding and stealing her from the Japanese man that she was supposed to marry.

Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela) (1987)

Masekela wrote this song as a tribute to Nelson Mandela, who in 1990 was released after being imprisoned for 27 years. The song was almost prophetic because Masekela asks for the release of Nelson Mandela so he could walk in the streets while holding the hand of his Wife Winnie Mandela.

Grazin’ in the Grass (1968)

‘Grazin in the Grass’ put Masekela on the global music map. It is an instrumental song that was originally written by Philemon Hou. The song reached No 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US.