By Richard Lutz
In the depths of a damp cold November night, it’s a pleasure to trundle over to the University of Warwick to take in some African sunshine.
Hugh Masekela, on the go for close to 50 years, still creates a feel of the townships with his trumpet and a voice that can whisper and shout at the same time.
With a four piece back up, he was full of stories, jokes (The English have many wonderful words for the same thing..no wonder they took Africa from us.’) and fabulous tales: check out how the Loch Ness Monster stole him from Scotland to caste him ashore as a baby on the Cape of Good Hope. And, of course, there’s the music.
He saved the best for last with Grazing in the Grass. It’s that 1960’s blast that went to Number 1 in America and opened the World Cup Games this summer. He added in hiphop, rock and roll and even some gospel music to bring it into the 21st century.
Opening for him were a remarkable trio- the Mahotella Queens. They are an a capella group on the go since 1965 which makes them, by my count, all grannies by now. But they still moved, sasheyed and sang their hearts out – albeit a bit creakily at times.
A good night out: a bit of warmth on a November evening
