Presented by Koerner Hall in association with Batuki Music

Two of South Africa’s true freedom fighters and renowned musical icons come together to honor twenty years since the start of democracy in South Africa, and the official end of Apartheid. In a collaborative performance with a band, Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela will pay homage in 20 Years of Freedom: featuring South Africa’s Freedom Songs, including many of their own.

Vusi Mahlasela, is simply known as ‘The Voice’ in his home-country, celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. His songs of hope connect Apartheid-scarred South Africa with its promise for a better future. After his popular debut on BMG Africa, When You Come Back, Vusi was asked to perform at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994. Vusi has shared the stage with Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Paul Simon, and Taj Mahal, among many others. Perhaps his biggest gig was in 2010 when he helped ring in the World Cup in South Africa, at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Hugh Masekela is a world-renowned flugelhornist, trumpeter, bandleader, composer, singer and defiant political voice who remains deeply connected at home, while his international career sparkles. In 1968, his single ‘Grazin’ in the Grass’ was a worldwide smash, elevating Hugh onto the international stage. His subsequent solo career has spanned 5 decades, during which time he has released over 40 albums and has worked with such diverse artists as Harry Belafonte, Dizzy Gillespie, Fela Kuti, Marvin Gaye, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and the late Miriam Makeba. In 1990 Hugh returned home, following release of Nelson Mandela – an event anticipated in Hugh’s anti-apartheid anthem ‘Bring Home Nelson Mandela’ (1986) which had been a rallying cry around the world.