Hugh Masekela Enthralls Fans at Safaricom Jazz Lounge

Where were you the first time you heard Hugh Masekela? Hugh Masekela is one of those artistes that everyone knows, even if they aren’t lovers of jazz. He has managed to both embody and transcend music. The first time I heard Hugh Masekela, I was 13 driving to school with my dad. He played ‘Grazing in the Grass’ and I couldn’t get the tune out of my head. All day, I hummed the tune and I couldn’t wait to get back home and listen to the rest of his discography.

Safaricom Jazz has grown from strength to strength since its inception in February 2014, hosting a number of fantastic artistes including Salif Keita, Richard Bona, Jonathan Butler and Isaiah Katumwa. The event has definitely popularized jazz music and elevated live events in Kenya. When I got wind that Hugh Masekela would be headlining the Safariom Jazz Lounge, I was beyond excited but nervous as well. It’s always nervewracking to see one of your favourite artistes in the flesh. Not that I thought he would let me down, but because I thought he would more than deliver.

I clearly was not the only one that was excited about Hugh Masekela as tickets had sold out by Friday morning. This meant that there were no tickets available at the gate either. A few of my frinds missed out on tickets and all I could do was tell them I’d have extra fun on their behalf. In all fairness, I’d already told them to get their tickets early so them missing out was a lesson to avoid last minute decisions on their end.

The show was kicking off at 8pm but I wanted to get there early so I could get a good seat and also avoid the hassle of getting into the venue with everyone else arriving. Unfortunatlely, because the event was at Uhuru Gardens, there was tonnes of traffic on Langata road. Thankfully, I was comfortably seated in a Little cab thanks to a Ksh 500 offer off of rides to Safaricom Jazz. The drop off point and parking was at Carnivore and Safaricom made sure attendees remained comfortable by offering shuttle rides from the parking to the entrance.

The setup was impressive and I have to say that MoSound have consistently delivered on this. There were plenty of food and drinks available and the ambiance was festive. The first act on stage was Mwai and The Truth. I’ll be honest and say that I’d never heard of them, let alone heard their music but I was pleasantly surprised. They’re pretty good and set the stage for what would be a fantastic night.

The Nairobi Horns Project were the next act. I was already familiar with this act having seen them live once before at a previous Safaricom event. They did not disappoint. The group is made up of Mackinlay Mutsembi (Founder and MD), Mokua Rabai (Saxophones) and Victor Kinama (Trombone). I couldn’t get enough of their energy. Introducing audiences to homegrown talent is one of the reasons I appreciate Safaricom Jazz. Nairobi Horns Project performed a few covers including Mola, Da Speech and Sauti Sol’s Shake Your Bum Bum as well as some of my favourites like Dance Like Your Life Depends On It. They got the audience on their feet which was welcome on an otherwise chilly night.

After a brief intermission, the man we’d all been waiting for got on the stage. Hugh Masekela is 77 years old but you wouldn’t know this from the amount of energy he had on stage. The South African trumpeteer, flugehornist, cornetist, singer and composer is larger than life and held everyone captive with his stage presence. He was unapologetic with his politics and performed like he was in a church service. He performed all his hits including Chileshe, Stimela and Grazing in the Grass. He also performed a stellar cover of Fela Kuti’s Lady that had everyone on their feet. My favourite thing about Hugh Masekela was his forthrightness. The whole event ws a huge treat.

Safaricom Jazz has grown from strength to strength and has no doubt elevated the live music scene as well as increased the jazz fan base in Kenya. The proceeds go to Ghetto Classics, which makes it a great way to support a worthy cause. I can’t wait to see who else they bring for the next Safaricom Jazz.