Hugh Masekela June 22, 2005

South African-born trumpet player and singer Hugh Masakela has led a remarkable career. Playing professionally from the tender age of 14, Masakela quickly found himself working with fellow rising stars like vocalist Miriam Makeba (who he would later marry) and pianist Abdullah Ibrahim. After gaining the support of established artists Dizzy Gillespie and Harry Belafonte, Masakela was able to pursue music studies at both the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Manhattan School of Music before embarking on a career stateside.

The trumpet player developed a pop-jazz sound with a heavy African influence that would pave the way for many world music hybrids in the '60s and beyond. His tune 'Grazing in the Grass' was a worldwide hit in 1968, bringing a taste of African Highlife music to the ears of AM radio listeners across America. Masakela continued to record his own albums and collaborate with luminaries such as the Crusaders, Fela, Herb Alpert and Paul Simon (he played on the massive Graceland Tour in '86-'87). The trumpet maestro and vocalist brings his joyful music here with a sextet of African musicians, including Okanise Moilwa on keyboards and Dumisani Hlela on drums. -- Dave Pehling (AOL CityGuide, http://www.digitalcity.com/washington/entertainment/event.adp?page=detailSummary&id=2382972&layer=events)