MyCity_MyLife

SHOW #12

Hugh Masekala’s Johannesburg

April's 'My City_My Life' features legendary South African musician and anti-apartheid activist Hugh Masekala taking viewers around Johannesburg, from the townships to the tourist gems. Hugh was born in a small mining town, Witbeck, where he was influenced by street, church, migrant labour and political protest songs. Taking up the trumpet as a teenager, he became part of South Africa's first-ever youth orchestra, and even now, as he approaches his 70th birthday, Hugh's life is dominated by song.

'My City_My Life' joins him for band rehearsals, witnessing his passion for music and his love of life and performance. The programme also visits the Soweto township where Hugh first started playing in jazz bands, and where the anti-apartheid movement began, which Hugh was heavily involved in. His music closely reflects the conflict and exploitation of those dark days in South Africa's history, and his hit single 'Bring Him Back Home' became an anthem for the campaign to free Nelson Mandela.

Join Hugh Masekela in a celebration of his his city and musical roots, intertwined with vivid portraits of struggles, sorrow, joy and passion.