Hugh Masekela

Hugh Ramopolo Masekela is a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer and singer. He was born on April 4, 1939 in Kwa - Guqa Township, Witbank, South Africa. He began singing and playing piano as a child. He began playing the trumpet at age 14. His first trumpet was given to him by Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, the anti - apartheid chaplain at St. Peter's Secondary School.

In 1961, as part of the anti - apartheid campaign he was exiled to United States where he was befriended by Harry Belafonte. In 1987, he had a hit single with "Bring Him Back Home" which became an anthem for the movement to free Nelson Mandela. After apartheid ended Masekela returned to South Africa where he now lives.

Hugh Masekela got married to Miriam Makeba in 1964, and divorcing two years later. In 1999 Hugh Masekela married Elinam Coffie.

Masekela is involved in several social activities, and serves for instance as a director on the board of the Lunchbox Fund, a non - profit organization that provides a daily meal to students.

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela and his son Sal Masekela

Hugh Masekela and his son Sal Masekela

Hugh Masekela and his son Sal Masekela

Hugh Masekela and his son Sal Masekela

Hugh Masekela (centre), his wife Elinam Masekela and friend

Hugh Masekela (second left), his wife Elinam Masekela (second right) and friends

Hugh Masekela and Angelique Kidjo

Hugh Masekela and Nigerian singer Femi Kuti

Hugh Masekela and his former spouse Miriam Makeba

Left to right: Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Paul Simon and Whoopi Goldberg

Mandela (Bring Him Back) - Hugh Masekela

Coal Train - Hugh Masekela

Grazing in the Grass - Hugh Masekela 

Stimela - Hugh Masekela

Thanayi - Hugh Masekela