Listen: Mountain Stage Remembers Hugh Masekela

 The passing of Hugh Masekela at the age of 78 reminds us here at Mountain Stage of his two powerful performances on the show in 1989 and 1994.  

In September of 1989, Hugh Masekela made his first appearance on Mountain Stage, bringing with him the rhythm of traditional South African music intertwined with the sounds of classic jazz. Through rhythms that made it easy to sway to, Masekela expressed the distress of his country at the time, singing “Bring Him Home”, a cry for the release of Nelson Mandela.   

Masekela left South Africa in 1960, following the political unrest of the Sharpeville Massacre. Making a home in New York, he fell in love with the jazz community. Encouraged by greats like Miles Davis, Masekela pioneered a blend of American Jazz with traditional sounds and instruments of his home country.  

In 1994, he returned to West Virginia for Mountain Stage, two days before playing “Bring Him Home” at the South African presidential inauguration of Mandela. This would mark the end of his self-imposed exile from his homeland that had lasted over thirty years.  

“The second appearance was on May 8, just two days before Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as President of South Africa. The spirit on that show left a deep impression on all of us.” – Larry Groce, host and artistic director, Mountain Stage.

And from longtime Mountain Stage pianist, Bob Thompson: 

“His appearance on Mountain Stage just before Mandela’s inauguration is one I’ll never forget. It was a true celebration! We celebrate your life and your gift to us Hugh Masekela. Rest In Peace.” – Bob Thompson 

We can recommend this archival interview posted by PRI’s The World  and NPR’s remembrance of Hugh Masekela.