Hugh Masekela inducted into Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame

18 Apr 2023 - 12:31

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

The late South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela was inducted into the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York at the weekend.

Hugh Masekela’s children, Selema Masekela and Pula Twala, and his nephew, Mabusha Masekela (middle), accept the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame Award on behalf of the late jazz musician from Seton Hawkins (Jazz at Lincoln Center) and Themba Khumalo (South African Tourism). Photo: South African Tourism

The induction ceremony was held in collaboration with the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation and South African Tourism. It honoured Masekela’s contribution to jazz music, achievements in the industry, and cultural influence.

Inductees of the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame are selected by an international voting panel of 60 musicians, scholars and educators from 17 countries. It is named after the late Turkish-American record producer and executive of Atlantic Records, Nesuhi Ertegun.

“His music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and his legacy lives on through the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation,” South African Tourism CEO Themba Khumalo said.

“We are proud to celebrate his induction into the Ertegun Hall of Fame and highlight the unique cultural offerings of South Africa as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking enriching experiences.”

Masekela’s name now appears among other jazz royalty at the hall of fame, including Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker, among others.

Speaking about the jazz musician’s legacy, Masekela’s daughter and Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation board member, Pula Twala, said: “In 2015 Hugh Masekela established the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation for the express purpose of preserving and promoting our African heritage and the restoration of our African identity through various mediums.

“In the five years since his passing, the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation has continued to devote energy and time to maintaining and motivating projects that Bra Hugh initiated while still with us, as well as new initiatives that fit within our mission statement.

“None of these projects or initiatives would be possible without the continued support, both material and spiritual, of our friends and family, sisters and sons, institutions and organisations, near and far, sharing the values that Hugh espoused, promoted and stood for,” Twala said.

The induction ceremony also featured a live performance by Mandla Mlangeni, Lesedi Ntsane, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, Naledi Masilo, Saidou Sangare, Zoe Molelekwa, Jimmy Mngwand and Kabelo Boy Mokhatla.