Hugh Mesekela thrills classical music lovers

By Kiundu Waweru

Like a besotted lover, South African legendary jazz maestro Hugh Masekela appears entranced by his music, humming it gingerly. He occasionally purses his lips, bobs his head and stares into space, but the passion is palpable as he lets his voice speak on his behalf.

On Thursday evening the audience at Nairobi’s Carnivore Simba Saloon were privileged to listen to one of Africa’s finest musicians, as he churned out some of his all time favourite tunes like Stimela, Coal Train Live, Wimoweh, Send Me and Zulu Wedding, MRA, Witch Doctor, Malungelo, Sossie/ Makoti For The love of You and Change.

He also used the opportunity to give revellers a taste of his latest album in the making Jabonali that elicited overwhelming response from the crowd.

Even when his time was up- fans still yearned for more and he gave them exactly that.

This was during the annual Classical Music event organised by Safaricom among other sponsors. Last year’s event featured another South Africa’s group Soweto String Quartet who performed alongside top Kenyan musicians, including Eric Wainaina.

Earlier in the day, the humble 72- year-old took time off his tight schedule to talk exclusively to Saturday Entertainment about his vision for South African and African music.

Dressed in a grey designer suit with a black hat to match the musician who last performed at Nairobi’s Aboretum in 2007, during the annual Sawa Sawa Festival organised by Sarakasi Trust says he hopes to perform more locally.

"Let’s just say that I hardly receive invitations from local promoters or any organisation to perform here on a regular basis hence the reason for my long absence in Kenya.

Masekela, who has 32 albums under his cap,says he is finalising his latest album Jabulani. He says unlike his past music that reflects on the struggles and passions of South Africa, Jabulani focuses on African heritage.

"The songs done in various South African languages are culture driven, promote peace and condemn barbaric acts such as human trafficking," he says.

Masekela is also working on a new film, which should be out soon. The movie is based on the history on the struggles of South Africans.

How does he handle female fans? "Well, I try to be nice to them but at the same time being careful because at the end of the day they make me who I am."

And what makes him so energetic and younger looking after all these years?

He says he eats anything but avoids alcohol and drugs."