As anticipation builds for a powerful four-day tribute at Joburg Theatre, fans of the late Hugh Masekela are being called into something deeper than just a concert. In partnership with the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation, this limited four-day spectacle celebrates the life of a man whose trumpet became the voice of a nation, carrying stories of pain, joy, resistance and unity across the world. Rooted in the theme “From the Soil to the World,” the tribute honours Bra Hugh not only as a global icon, but as a teacher and visionary whose Pan-African spirit continues to shape generations of artists. The stage will come alive with a rich, cross-generational lineup featuring Bab’ Vusi Mahlasela, Judith Sephuma, Zoe Modiga, Tresor, as well as the Baobab Sisters and iComplete and each artist will carry a piece of Bra Hugh’s fire in their own unique way. In this exclusive interview with Africa Jamz FM News, we caught up with one of the lineup stars, the folk icon and “The Voice”, Bab’ Vusi Mahlasela, who once shared a stage with the late legend. Reflecting ahead of the tribute, Bab’ Vusi opened up about the memories, the music, and the responsibility of honouring a man whose legacy still lives on—not just in sound, but in the soul of a nation. The late legendary Jazz icon Bra Hugh Masekela. Picture: Instagram@HughMasekela/Siphiwe Mhlambi A voice for the voiceless Bra Hugh Masekela’s music has always been a powerful voice for freedom and unity. Kicking off the conversation, Bab’ Vusi Mahlasela shared how he personally connects with Masekela’s legacy as he prepares for this iconic tribute. “Bra Hugh Masekela has been a voice for the voiceless, bringing awareness everywhere about what was really going on down here in Mzansi—the injustices and so on. I think his legacy is truly immense because he has left us something we need to carry forward. For me, having been connected with Bra Hugh was such an honour, because I grew up listening to him, Dorothy Masuka, Miriam Makeba, and others. It so happened that I was fortunate to be on a tour with Bra Hugh in the US and UK, where we were celebrating 20 years of freedom—Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela celebrating together. Working and travelling with him, I learned a lot. There were also things we shared in common, particularly in the subjects we write about: highlighting injustices and difficulties happening on earth, but in a way that gives people hope and reminds us to honour each other as human beings,” said Bab’ Vusi. Bab’ Vusi Mahlasela and the late Bra Hugh Masekela captured during one of their unforgettable performances. Picture: Instagram@VusiMahlasela Guided by Bra Hugh Having collaborated with Bra Hugh before, Bab’ Vusi reflected on the memories and lessons from their time together that continue to guide him as he prepares for this concert. “The memories and lessons I have from Bra Hugh are that you have to know who you are and be proud of yourself, and also to respect yourself—because when you respect yourself, you can respect others. He taught me to love my craft and give it my all; it has to be a labour of love. That’s what I learned from Bra Hugh. He was a no-nonsense person, wanting things to be perfect, yet he was full of humour, life, and love,” said Bab’ Vusi. Honouring a cross-generational legacy This tribute unites artists across generations. Bab’ Vusi shared what it feels like to honour Bra Hugh’s influence alongside both longtime peers and fresh new voices. “Well, I feel honoured to be part of this tribute because I have worked with him. One thing I will always regret is that we never made any recordings together with Bra Hugh. Even during our tour, I keep wondering… how did we miss it? We should have at least recorded one show live. There are some other shows on video where I played in Lugano with Bra Hugh, Lira, the band, and others, and that was quite an experience. “At one point, I also shared a stage with Bra Hugh for one of his shows—it was him as the main act, and me, Vusi Mahlasela, along with the late Tshepo Tshola, the late Busi Mhlongo, and the late Sibongile Khumalo. That was such a proudly South African moment in Washington DC. “Bra Hugh really paved the way, just like Miriam Makeba, myself, and others, for our sound and African music to be loved and heard out there. And for me, as Vusi Mahlasela, with my own unique voice and shows, to be able to collaborate with Bra Hugh and others again was a tremendous honour,” said Bab’ Vusi. Bab’ Vusi continues to shine as one of South Africa’s legendary musicians, ensuring his music and message resonate with audiences across the globe. Picture: Instagram@VusiMahlasela A legacy that teaches hope Bra Hugh Masekela’s music uniquely bridged jazz and African sounds. Bab’ Vusi highlighted the ways Masekela’s musical philosophy continues to inspire today’s artists and shapes this lineup. “Well, they should be proud that he has left a mark. The young ones should be proud too, because with the likes of Bra Hugh, Caiphus Semenya, and others, they have really set an example that we can follow—how they crafted their work, how they performed, and the subject matters they tackled, which are very important. They wrote about things that matter deeply to the people. “It’s not about offering solutions directly; it’s about putting these issues out there, like doctors diagnosing problems in society, and presenting them through songs so people can listen, debate, and come up with solutions. This is what the young ones need to learn. They need to know where we come from, where we are now, and where we are going. “The subjects explored through songs are crucial—they give hope and teach people. Hope is not easy. Hope is not cheap. But through hope, you give people something that can inspire them to change their lives or make a difference in society,” said Bab’ Vusi. Bab’ Vusi gained the nickname ‘The Voice’ for his pure, commanding, and soulful vocals, as well as for his role as a musical activist, singing songs of freedom, justice, and humanity during and after the apartheid era. Picture: Instagram@VusiMahlasela Passing on the gift of Bra Hugh As the chat came to an end, Bab’ Vusi expressed the deeper takeaway he hopes audiences experience from this tribute to Bra Hugh, beyond just the music. “I wish that the people who come to the show can truly embrace the glory of Bra Hugh Masekela—the music he has crafted over the years, and the labour of love he has poured into it. I hope they can cherish it, listen to it, support it, and share it with their children and grandchildren. This is music that nourishes the soul, helping people understand who we are and learn to love themselves,” said Bab’ Vusi. Tribute Concert details Venue: Joburg Theatre, BraamfonteinDates: 9 – 12 April 2026 (4-Day Limited Season)Time: 7:30PM for Thursday (Tomorrow night) to Saturday and 3PM for Sunday (the last day of the show)Tickets: R200 – R550 (Available at Joburg Theatre Box Office & WebTickets) HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THIS ONE?: From Mdantsane to the Mainstream: Sphura Thee Level’s Rise to SA Music Stardom Post navigation Mpho Majiga: From a Boy Beating Oil Tins to the New King of Disco!
