The latest edition of MTV Base Meets…with MTN (MTV Base, Monday 22 August, 20:30 CAT) sees young African creatives in conversation with legendary musician Hugh Masekela.
Many albums, hits and live performances all over the world later, at 72, Masekela still has an extremely active music career and is in touch with the latest music trends (he’s worked with Black Coffee, Lira, Zwai Bala, Thandiswa Mazwai). He had plenty to say about politics, music and African heritage in his chat at Johannesburg’s scenic Moyo restaurant at Zoo Lake.
Hugh, as he is affectionately known, picked up his first trumpet at 14 and was part of the legendary Sophiatown era in South Africa, before going into exile in America; living in West Africa; touring the world and releasing countless international hits including his Grammy nominated 1968 US number 1 Grazin In The Grass. Hugh’s voice and music
were instrumental in the struggle against Apartheid, and he returned from exile after Nelson Mandela’s 90s release from jail. In 2003 he released his best-selling autobiography Still Grazing: The Musical Journey of Hugh Masekela, which covered his loves, including ex wife Miriam Makeba, his drug and alcohol addiction and being a musician.
Engaging with Masekela on MTV Base Meets…with MTN are Zimbabwean rapper Zubz, South African blogger, columnist and fashion store owner Milisuthando Bongela, Nigerian musician Adey Omotade, South African
stand up comedian and student Mojak Lehoko and Congolese stylist and journalism student Patricia Muauka Muembo.
In each episode of MTV Base Meets…with MTN, African youth get to meet face to face with the influencers and leaders of Africa and ask them probing and provocative questions. It’s a no-holds-barred interview with politicians and prominent figures such as UK businessman Richard Branson, Nigerian media mogul Ben Murray Bruce, South African
politician Julius Malema, Liberian President Madame Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
MTV Base Meets Hugh Masekela with MTN will be shown on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) on Monday 22 August @ 20:30 CAT, Wednesday 24 August @ 22:15 CAT, Thursday 25 August @ 18:30, Sunday 28 August @ 15:00 and
Monday 29 August @ 16:00 CAT.
