Tag: Hugh Masekela

Jazz has always been the sound of freedom. Musically, it refuses to follow a form, rather growing organically with the musician. Politically, it has been the music of choice of resistance and rebellion, from its early days in the US's Deep South to South Africa during apartheid.

Four prominent South Africans have lent their support to the UNHCR's I Belong Campaign to end statelessness within a decade. Without a state, a person has no identity, and is denied access to basic human rights – even a death certificate – and is more vulnerable to human trafficking and persecution.

Music, art and film will feature in a three-week long festival focusing on South Africa at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. It will feature renowned artists like Hugh Masekela and Abdullah Ibrahim, as well as sopranos making their New York debuts.

A diverse line-up of some of the country's top musicians handpicked by the world-renowned jazz musician will entertain thousands during a celebration in Soweto.

Hugh Masekela and Angelique Kidjo were two of the many music stars who celebrated the first-ever International Jazz Day on 30 April, proclaimed by Unesco to help raise awareness about the popular music genre’s force for peace, dialogue and cooperation.
• Music fest in SA’s Darling

Legendary jazz musician Hugh Masekela speaks about Africa Day and states his wish for an all year commemoration of the unification of Africans. The South African musician also says Africa would do well to eradicate its internal borders. Watch this video.