Creative African youth have, over the past few months, had a chance to chat to iconic leaders in their different fields on the television show, MTV Base Meets…With MTN. This Monday, they hook up with legendary South African musician, Hugh Masekela, or Bra Hugh, as he is affectionately known.
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 will interview Masekela on the MTV Base show on Monday.
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 have all had their turn to be interviewed “no holds barred” style in recent episodes.
Now it’s the turn of Masekela, who at 72, has had a long and successful career. And he keeps up with the youth, having recently worked with Black Coffee, Lira, Zwai Bala, and Thandiswa Mazwai.
He had plenty to say about politics, music and African heritage in his chat that took place at Johannesburg’s scenic Moyo restaurant at Zoo Lake.
Masekela 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. 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.
Other influencers coming up on the series are Nigerian entrepreneur Aliko Dangote (August 29) and R&B diva Alicia Keys (September 5).
MTV Base Meets Hugh Masekela with MTN will be shown on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) on Monday August 22 @ 20:30 CAT, Wednesday August 24 @ 22:15 CAT, Thursday August 25 @ 18:30, Sunday August 28 @ 15:00 and Monday August 29 @ 16:00 CAT.
Find them online @ https://www.mtvmeets.com> or https://mtvmeets.mobi or follow the campaign on Twitter at #MTVMeets@MTVbaseAfrica.
PHOTO: Hugh Masakela with the young interviews. [Nadine Hutton]
