Hugh Masekela’s name added to Ertegun Hall of Fame
"His music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and his legacy lives on through the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation."
The South African late Jazz Maestro, Hugh Masekela became the latest name to join the long list of Jazz greats to be inducted into the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame at Dizzy’s Club Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.
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South African Tourism, in collaboration with the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation, celebrated the legendary jazz musician, honouring Masekela’s contributions to jazz music and his impact on South Africa as a cultural destination.
The prestigious recognition was attended by special guests, jazz enthusiasts, and journalists, who paid tribute to Masekela’s legacy.
The Heritage Foundation said the event was to celebrate his legacy and South Africa’s cultural richness. The children of Hugh Masekela accepted the honour on behalf of their late father.
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The Foundation’s specific focus is in the areas of inter-generational collaborations, exhibitions, music, dance, theatre, literature, visual, culinary, African history, languages and genealogy.
“In 2015 Hugh Masekela established the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation for the express purpose of preserving and promoting our African heritage and the restoration of our African identity through various mediums.
“In the five years since his passing the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation has continued to devote energy and time to maintaining and motivating projects that Bra Hugh initiated while still with us, as well as new initiatives that fit within our mission statement,” commented Pula Twala, Board Member of the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation.
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Twala adds that, “None of these projects or initiatives would be possible without the continued support, both material and spiritual, of our friends and family, sisters and sons, institutions and organizations, near and far, sharing the values that Hugh espoused, promoted and stood for.”
Speaking about the event, Themba Khumalo, Acting CEO of South African Tourism said, “We are honoured to pay tribute to the late Hugh Masekela, a true icon of jazz music and a cultural ambassador for South Africa.
“His music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and his legacy lives on through the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation.
“We are proud to celebrate his induction into the Ertegun Hall of Fame and highlight the unique cultural offerings of South Africa as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking enriching experiences.”
Honourees musicians inducted into the hall of fame include Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Bix Beiderbeckke, Johan Coltrane and Duke Ellington who have been recognised as some of the finest jazz legends.
