SOUTH AFRICAN VOCALIST AND TRUMPETER HUGH MASEKELA TO HEADLINE SAFARICOM JAZZ LOUNGE

Jazz lovers will be in for a treat when globally acclaimed South African jazz maestro Hugh Masekela takes the stage at the Safaricom Jazz Lounge, scheduled for August 12.

While the two-time Grammy Award nominee is not new to Kenya, this will be his first appearance at the Safaricom Jazz Lounge, which is one of a series of events that lead-up to the annual Safaricom International Jazz Festival.

“It will be exciting to perform for the emerging Jazz community in Kenya, which is slowly building a reputation as a notable addition to the continent’s jazz circuit,” said Mr. Masekela.

Masekela who was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1968 for Best Contemporary Pop Performance (Instrumental) for his album Grazin’ in the Grass has released over 40 albums in a career spanning over 60 years, in that time working with numerous artists in the USA, Africa and Europe including Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Dizzy Gillespie, Otis Redding, Harry Belafonte and Herb Alpert among others.

The now 77-year-old composer, singer and instrumentalist received another Grammy nomination in 2011 for his critically acclaimed album Jabulani. He released his latest album Playing @ Work in 2013.

Proceeds from all ticket sales will be donated to the Ghetto Classics music programme based in Korogocho. Ghetto Classics has been supported by the Safaricom International Jazz Festival since 2014 and has so far received over Sh19 million, funds that have gone towards the purchase of music instruments and training of over 500 children  from the slum and its environs.