Suzy Eises donates to Namibian youth, Masekela Foundation

The proceeds came as a result of a tribute concert in honour of the late South African trumpeter at the National Theatre of Namibia in August.

“I was fortunate enough through a successful Hugh Masekela tribute event to donate N$5000 to PAY, which helps underprivileged kids and N$5000 to the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation,” Eises told Music In Africa. “Before I am a musician or artist, I am a human being. I believe I have a great responsibility to serve God’s children.

“Because I have been given much, I too must give. I love to serve and help others, especially the development of children who didn’t have the opportunities I had."

Eises said a portion of earnings from her events would go towards supporting the needy.

“I have decided to contribute a part of my proceeds to charity organisations for almost all of my shows," she said. "It was a choice I made so I can personally reach out and be as selfless as I can. It is part of my faith, being Christ-like. I know it will help make the world a better place.”

Eises said the August gig was not her first charity event. “My first donation was a fundraising gala dinner for my music education as well as for PAY in June, where I donated N$15 000,” she said.

Speaking to Music In Africa, Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation board member and the late musician's daughter, Pula Twala, said Eises' donation was testament to her father's legacy.

“We are grateful about the donation because it shows Hugh Masekela was about people and not just himself," she said. "We are honoured that there are people who were touched by his music while he was travelling around the world. We are also honoured that Eises decided to do the event in his honour and donate to a cause that he had already started, which was his passion.”

Twala also used the opportunity to deplore event organisers who abused her father’s fame in the name of charity.

“Some of the problems we have is that people around the world just use his name to sell tickets. They say they are honouring Bra Hugh knowing that the name will sell, but they don’t make efforts to make contact with the foundation or the family.

“Even if you don't have the means or if you're holding a free concert, you should at least sign an agreement or get the blessings from the family," Twala said.