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Hugh Masekela

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Reporter
South African music legend Hugh Masekela, affectionately known as ‘‘Bra Hugh’’, is set to perform during the second edition of the ‘‘Ngoma neHosho Live Sessions’’ next weekend at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale.

Masekela, a world-renowned saxophonist, trumpeter and afro-jazz singer will also share the stage with local artistes such as Victor Kunonga and Mookomba.

In an interview the organiser of the show, Walter Wanyanya, said preparations are at advanced stage with all performers confirming their participation.

“We are proud to present the second edition of the Ngoma neHosho Live Sessions Series headlining Bra Hugh Masekela live at 7 Arts Theatre on the 11th of April 2015. Bra Hugh will be performing here in Zimbabwe straight off the first leg of his European and American Tour and also after his Cape Town Jazz Festival performance,” he said.

Wanyanya said the show will be hosted by musician Prayersoul.

“Masekela will be coming to Zimbabwe with his full world touring band and he has promised to give us a world class performance that will certainly make it the concert of the year. We also have a surprise act that will be revealed on the night. The show is being hosted by musician Prayersoul and will start at 7pm. The night will kick off with the performances from two multi-award winning acts from Victor Kunonga and Mokoomba. All artistes will bring you their best performances yet,” he said.

He said tickets are already on sale at some selected local stores.

However, during his last visit, last year the legend Hugh Masekela proclaimed he has Zimbabwean origins through his great grandfather, Munyepawu, who was a Lutheran evangelist who immigrated to South Africa in the 19th century.

Masekela made the revelation during the Breakfast Show in an interview with Comfort Mbofana of Star FM Radio in Harare.

Masekela, came to Zimbabwe to record music with a female Mbira outfit.

He also took time to visit the grave of his longtime friend Dumisani Maraire and father to the late Mbira virtuoso, Chiwoniso before laying flowers and paid a tributary tune on his saxophone.

He was quoted saying, “I was born in Witbank but my great grandfather came from greater Zimbabwe. Our real surname is Munyepawu, we are Karangas. We were adopted by the Batogwas numeric people in the Limpopo Province in the mid-19th century. So coming to Zimbabwe is like (coming to my) spiritual home. That is why I’m always here.”

The internationally acclaimed saxophonist has over 50 albums and a Grammy award, under his belt.