South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela passed today at age 78 after a 10-year fight with prostate cancer. He died in his native Johannesburg where his career began in the 1950s. Masekela became popular in the United States 1968 because of the instrumental hit “Grazing In The Grass.” He was vocal throughout his career about apartheid in South Africa and dedicated “Bring Him Back Home” to Nelson Mandela.  In the ’60s he moved to New York and studied the jazz scene and received advice from Dizzy Gillespie to incorporate his African roots into his music. The same political passion he had for his home country was felt in the United States and he fully supported the Black Power movement. It was during this time period he had a two-year marriage to Miriam Makeba. Masekela toured with Paul Simon in the ’80s and by the ’90s he returned to South Africa. He was eventually named the “father of South African jazz” for the work he did in the area as a young musician and the style he carried worldwide. The autobiography, Still Grazing: The Musical Journey Of Hugh Masekela was released in 2004. No Borders from 2016 was his last recording.

[youtube id=”UKcGCObEb28″] South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela was the first person to record Philemon Hou’s “Grazing In The Grass” for his 1968 album, The Promise Of A Future. It was Masekela’s previous recording, “Mr. Bull No.5 ” that inspired Hou to write “Grazing In The Grass.” The song introduced Masekela to his biggest American audience and was a rare instance of an instrumental song going to number 1. Masekela’s versatility as a player lies in his ability to play flawless bebop as well as being able to meld jazz and pop into something soulful. He’s experimented with different styles including his dance recording, “Don’t Lose It Baby.” Masekela has recorded over 20 albums in his 50-year career, released his autobiography, won 2 Grammies and 2 honorary doctorates.

(Detroit, MI) Music Hall and Detroit Vegan Soul have combined for a taste-tempting Pre-show event which includes a Main Floor Ticket to the April 4th Performance of World Music/Jazz legend Hugh Masekela and some of the creations from two of Detroit’s fastest rising culinary stars Kirsten Ussery & Erika Boyd of the upstart all vegan Pop Up caterers, Detroit Vegan Soul – who will also be opening a café in the Spring.

Join us for an incredible evening! Dinner served from 6 pm – 7:30. Performance begins at 8 pm sharp. $50/person AT BOX OFFICE ONLY; ON SALE BEGINNING SATURDAY MARCH 03/16. Call 313-887-8501 or walk up and say ‘DVS’!

Limited seating available.

MENU:
BBQ Tofu
Mac-n-Cheez
Smoked Collard Greens
Candied Yams
Carob Chip Cookie

The food artists at Detroit Vegan Soul have built a fantastic reputation in a Detroit minute, and Hugh Masekela is a world-renowned musical artist with a sound that is uniquely his own. We look forward to bringing these virtuosos together!

The Detroit Vegan Soul Tasting will take place in the elegant Bassett Lounge on the Mezzanine.

Capacity is very limited. Ticket is $50 per person and includes dinner and preferred seating (main floor and/or front mezzanine). Cash bar. Dinner service starts at 6 pm and finishes at 7:30. Patrons arriving late for dinner cannot be guaranteed hot food. Cookies will be served in carry-out bags and can be taken into the theatre. Cutoff date for reservations is March 29

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts is proud to bring legendary trumpeter and bandleader, Hugh Masekela for one night, Thursday, April 4th at 8PM. Hugh Masekela is a world-renowned flugelhornist, trumpeter, bandleader, composer, singer and defiant political voice who remains deeply connected at home, while his international career sparkles.

Over the course of a 40-year career—during which he has collaborated with a myriad of international artists from Paul Simon to Dizzie Gillespie to Ladysmith Black Mambazo to Alvin Ailey—this extraordinary trumpeter and composer has mixed the music of his native South African roots with the pop-jazz of the ‘60s to create a one of a kind world music that is uniquely his own.

This year also saw the launch of Hugh’s own record label House of Masekela. The first recording under this label is a four-CD box set Friends featuring Masekela and American pianist Larry Willis. It is a collection of 40 American jazz standards reinterpreted by the two musicians, whose friendship dates back more than 50 years, hence the title. Larry and Hugh played a series of concerts at The Jazz Standard to celebrate their new release.

In April 2013 Hugh will return to the U.S for an 18 city tour in support of yet another new recording, entitled “Playing @ Work”.

The Band:
Hugh Masekela Flugelhorn and lead vocals
Abednigo Sibongiseni Zulu Bass Guitar
Francis Manneh Edward Fuster Percussion and backing vocals
Cameron John Ward Lead Guitar and backing vocals
Randal Skippers Keyboards and backing vocals
Lee-Roy Sauls Drums and Backing vocals

Articulate and brilliantly musical in any number of genres, Hugh Masekela has been a defining force in world music, the preservation of South Africa’s musical heritage, the safety and well-being of it’s poorest citizens as well as the struggle for freedom and human rights both in Africa, and around the world.

Tickets are $27- $37- $47 available at Music Hall Box Office or www.ticketmaster.com

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Jazz Café
350 Madison
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 887-8501
www.musichall.org