Music greats sent to sing for Hugh
Star-studded 'People's Version' drops today
Vusi Mahlasela, Abigail Kubeka, Thandiswa Mazwai, Zolani Mahola and J’Something have teamed up to add their vocals to a remake of Hugh Masekela’s anthem Thuma Mina.
Produced by Grammy winner JB Arthur and arranged by Zwai Bala, Thuma Mina – The People’s Version, drops today.
“The new arrangement references church songs, struggle songs, marching bands through Alexandra – we want you to get that feeling, to say: ‘Yes, this is our song’,” Bala explained.
The latest version also features a contribution from members of Masekela’s last touring band Johan Mthethwa, Fana Zulu, Cameron Ward, Godfrey Mgcina and Leeroy Sauls.
“The new energy, impetus, push [of the arrangement] gives you the energy to just go out and do something,” Mazwai said.
“He’s smiling in his grave, [saying] ‘that’s it. I did it and I’m doing it again’,” Kubeka added.
The song is being released to coincide with Heritage Month and shines the spotlight on current challenges faced by South Africans such as severe poverty, a compromised economy, corruption and genderbased violence during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It urges citizens to take personal responsibility for improving the quality of life for all.
“I feel like I am part of a long line of really strong people who used their voices, like Bra Hugh and Mandela who filled these halls,” Mahola said.
“I’m also connected to these young people who don’t feel like they have a voice I would like to say to them you do have a voice, we need you to make this work, to build our perfect vision.”
Kubeka recalled discussing the song with Masekela when it was first released.
“[He said to me] it’s about time that you realise that this industry isn’t just about us; it’s about the people. We have to include the people in what we are doing,” Kubeka recounted.
“Something came into my mind to say we are sending you – to the people to spread the gospel. All these years, we have been doing this for ourselves, for our own enjoyment – now we have to move to the people.”
Constitution Hill joined forces with the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation in making the remix possible.
“It is not the size of the problems we must take into account, but rather our will, the people’s will, to create and manifest solutions, and our preparedness to scale those solutions across our diverse South African communities,” Constitution Hill CEO Dawn Robertson said.