Tribute to Bra Hugh a highlight

A MUSICAL musical tribute, The Boy’s Doin It, honouring jazz legend Bra Hugh Masekela is one of the unexpected highlights of this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Often described as the father of South African jazz, Masekela died earlier this year in Joburg at the age of 78.

The Boy’s Doin It will be performed by Masekela’s five-member band of the past 10 years, with a two-piece brass section. Long-term collaborator, saxophonist Khaya Mahlangu, often worked as musical director on Masekela’s shows, while trumpeter Sydney Mavundla was coached and mentored by Bra Hugh.

Masekela’s manager for 10 years and friend of 20 years, Josh Georgiou, says the performers were specially chosen because of their deep personal connection with the musician.

“Their careers and lives have in many ways been shaped and influenced by Bra Hugh,” said Georgiou.

He added that each of the vocalists chose their own songs.

“It just gave it a more personal touch.” Vocalist/composer Tsepo Tshola and the band Sankomota will perform Chileshe, Happy Mama and Thuma Mina.

“Tshola and Sankomota touring with Masekela in the 80s sparked their political activism,” Georgiou said.

While Tshola chose Happy Mama because it is his favourite song, Thuma Mina was an obvious choice.

“It’s back in the public consciousness because it was quoted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation address. It sort of fell in Tshola lap. He’s got the voice to pull it off,” said Georgiou.

“Sibongile Khumalo met Bra Hugh upon his return from exile in 1990, and he encouraged her to develop her own style. She could not decide, she had so many favourites,” said Georgiou.

The singer eventually settled on performing Mbombela and African Secret Society.

The Boy’s Doin It is the name of Masekela’s 17th studio album, recorded in Lagos, Nigeria in 1975.

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival will take place on March 23 and 24. Check Computicket for day passes.