Heritage music scholarship reflects Masekela’s legacy
THE Hugh Masekela Heritage Scholarship was officially launched yesterday, in honour of the late icon.
On the occasion of what would have been his 80th birthday, the Manhattan School of Music (MSM) and The Elma Music Foundation, in partnership with the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation, established the scholarship that will allow six South African students to pursue Bachelor of Music degrees at MSM.
Known as one of the world’s leading music conservatories, the school is also Masekela’s alma mater.
The scholarship, which will cover tuition and all living expenses for each of the six scholarship recipients for their four years of study, will be announced at the Jazz Foundation’s annual gala in New York later this year, which will honour Masekela’s life and legacy.
The late icon, who died in January last year, studied classical trumpet at MSM from 1960 to 1964.
The scholarship will be awarded to South African students who have faced significant social, educational, cultural, or economic challenges.
“We are enormously grateful for this scholarship grant and deeply honoured to be working with both foundations to provide an educational and musical home to six students whose presence at the school will stand testament to Hugh Masekela’s vision and talent,” said MSM President James Gandre.
“He is one of MSM’s most distinguished alumni, and this is an apt extension of both his musical legacy and the important work that he did during his lifetime on social initiatives benefiting South Africans.
“The Hugh Masekela Heritage Scholars will be warmly welcomed to a vibrant community of aspiring young musicians who come to the school from 45 countries around the world.”
Elma Foundation’s music programmes director Tarik Ward said the scholarship not only honours the great artist’s legacy but also nurtures the next generation of South African musicians.
“It upholds his vision to preserve and promote African heritage, culture, and identity.”
Chairperson of the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation Professor Louis Molamu said he was looking forward to reflecting Masekela’s passion for inter-generational creative collaboration.
Students can visit apply.msmnyc. edu/apply. Applications are accepted from September 1 to December 1.