Landmark is level 2 of 4 in the South Africa Hall of Fame: a first that opened a door, or the pre-eminent figure of their generation in this country. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
His trumpet carried South African rhythms into international jazz, and his songs carried the anti-apartheid movement. Grazing in the Grass sold four million copies.
Born near Johannesburg in April 1939, Hugh Masekela was a musician, singer, composer and trumpeter known as the father of South African jazz.
His music energised anti-apartheid rallies and introduced South African rhythms to international jazz festivals. Grazing in the Grass reached number one in the United States in 1968 and sold four million copies.
His music energised anti-apartheid rallies and introduced South African rhythms to international jazz festivals. Grazing in the Grass reached number one in the United States in 1968 and sold four million copies.
- South African History Online — Hugh Masekela
- NPR — Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Hugh Masekela carrying South Africa
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