South African news
Masekela, who died on January 23, 2018 at the age of 78 after a 10-year battle with prostate cancer, studied classical trumpet at the MSM from 1960 to 1964. Thrilled to honour the legacy of the man known as the “father of South African jazz”, Gandre said: “He (Masekela) is one of MSM’s most distinguished alumni, and this is an apt extension of both his musical legacy and the important work that he did during his lifetime on social initiatives benefiting South Africans. The Hugh Masekela Heritage Scholars will be warmly welcomed to a vibrant community of aspiring young musicians who come to the School from 45 countries around the world.”
Great torch bearer of ‘our’ liberation struggle
As music dignitaries from around the world gather at the Jazz Foundation of America’s annual gala concert at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in New York tonight, which will in part celebrate Masekela’s legacy, Google celebrated the day with a global Doodle, showing him in a brightly coloured shirt playing the trumpet. Meanwhile here at home (South Africa), the Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa shared a heartfelt social media tribute post to the “great torch bearer of our liberation struggle” adding that Google’s Doodle tribute is “a testament of the rich legacy he left behind, that will live on for many generations to come”.
Learners who are in financial need can visit apply.msmnyc.edu/apply to apply.
Applications are open from September 1 to December 1, 2019.
