The late Hugh Masekela is one of the most celebrated African composers, trumpeters &
vocalists in the world. His discography includes over 40 albums, spanning a monumental 50-
year career. Masekela was a 3-time Grammy Award nominee, including Best World Music
Album, Best Musical Cast Show Album & Best Contemporary Pop Performance. Although
the South African trumpeter and bandleader possessed an extensive jazz background and
credentials, he enjoyed major popular success as one of the earliest innovators in the world
fusion genre.
Masekela's vibrant trumpet and flügelhorn mixed jazz with South African styles and music
from across the African continent and diaspora. His horn was also featured on dozens of
recordings in pop, R&B, disco, Afro-pop, and jazz contexts. He had both American and
international hits; his 1968 chart-topping cover of "Grazin' in the Grass" also hit the charts in
five consecutive decades.