Celebrating Bra Hugh at Joburg Theatre
South African musical legend Hugh Masekela passed away in January this year, leaving behind a legacy paralleled by no other which is set to celebrated at the Joburg Theatre this May.
‘Bra Hugh’, as he was affectionately known, was never shy to express his views on Africa and the plight that not only South Africa, but rather the entire continent, faced.
His method of expression was beautiful, using his musical gift to carry strong messages to audiences around the world.
A lot might be known about ‘Bra Hugh’, but less might be known about his immense contribution to musical theatre in South Africa.
The early days of his career saw the culmination of productions such as the African Jazz and Variety Roadshow, and the internationally acclaimed King Kong – Africa’s first jazz opera.
Masekela played an integral role in the production of South Africa’s most successful international musical Sarafina! which had an incredible run on Broadway from 1988–1989 with parallel casts running in Europe and Australia.
He later created a musical theatre revue entitled Songs of Migration which toured South Africa, Europe, and the United States of America.
‘Bra Hugh’s’ final theatrical offering was Gone Native: The Life and Times of Regina Brooks which he composed, scored, and directed before it opened at the Soweto Theatre last year.
The four shows to be held in ‘Bra Hugh’s’ honour have been titled A Celebration of Bra Hugh Masekela and will include combinations of songs from Sarafina!, Songs of Migration, and Gone Native: The Life and Times of Regina Brooks.
The production will star renowned Thandiswa Mazwai and Sibungile Khumalo, both of whom worked with ‘Bra Hugh’ prior to his passing.
The performances will take place from Thursday, 3 May to Saturday, 5 May at 8pm and again on Sunday, 6 May at 3pm.
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