Hugh Masekela was a prolific jazz musician, singer and composer from Witbank, South Africa. His interest in playing the trumpet as a child sparked the formation of the first South African youth orchestra, the Huddleston Jazz Band. The exploitation and conflict in South Africa during the 1950s and 1960s inspired much of Masekela's music to portray the struggles of his people and to protest apartheid, slavery and government. After the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, where nearly 70 peaceful protesters were shot and killed, the increased limitations and brutality of the government caused Masekela to leave South Africa and attend music school in London. After visiting the US and transferring to Manhattan School of Music, Masekela began releasing jazz-pop tunes to tremendous effects. His 1968 single "Grazin' in the Grass," sold over four million copies and became a smash hit. His 1987 single "Bring Him Back Home" became the theme song for the movement to free Nelson Mandela, and this link to his African roots drove him to reconnect with Southern African musicians. Masekela's extensive discography comprises both solo and jazz ensemble recordings infused jazz, funk, and South African sounds.
