SA: Hugh Masekela Heritage Fest returns 4 December

Now called HughFest, the in-person edition returns after two virtual iterations were held in the past two years. The fest has taken on a new shape with the rebranding and relocation.

Courtesy of Assupol and The Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation, the event will feature an open-air festival of music, dance, spoken word, exhibitions, food and drink, in a family-friendly atmosphere of healing, gratitude and celebration.

This year’s line-up boasts a strong contingent of jazz musicians such as trumpeter and vocalist Mandisi Dyantyis, pianist Thandi Ntuli, the legendary Sipho ‘Hotstix Mabuse, vocalist Gugu Shezi, guitarist Bra Themba Mokoena, and the duo of Leomile and Muneyi.

“Assupol has been a proud sponsor of the Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival for eight years. We celebrate the legacy of Bra Hugh, and we honour the diverse heritage that shapes our identity as Africans. Our involvement in HughFest ensures this heritage remains accessible for generations to come,” Assupol head of group corporate affairs Velmah Nzembela said.

“As always, the festival will showcase Bra Hugh’s eclectic and broad vision of culture, music and heritage,” Bra Hugh’s daughter Pula Twala said. “Including a heartfelt tribute to the recently and dearly departed poet Don Mattera, and an exhibition of Drum magazine era images courtesy of Bailey’s African History Archive. 

“For the past years, we have faced a global pandemic that kept us locked indoors. And now, with Assupol’s unwavering support, we can burst into nature once again, with the sun and trees, wind and flowers, as we dance with our children,” festival co-organiser Mabusha Masekela said. “Families and friends can come out once again to share and present our diverse heritage, laugh and dance with each other, and sing together a song of celebration and culture. And HughFest is the perfect event for our celebrations.”

The event will begin at 11am. Purchase tickets to the event here.