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Hugh Masekela in Toronto

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela and Chisa All-Stars play in Toronto at the Phoenix Concert Theatre, Friday 15th February. The event is arranged by Small world Music and Karibuni Radio (CIUT 89.5 FM). "Small World and Karibuni Radio are thrilled to honour Black History Month by presenting one of the greatest African musicians of all-time Hugh Masekela; leading a spectacular collective of all-star musicians from South Africa's first black-owned record label," says a press release.

The concert at Phoenix Concert Theatre starts at 8.00 pm. Showcasing styles from the traditional Township jazz and Mbaquanga of Soweto, through classic Afropop, and onward to the urban Kwaito music of modern Johannesburg, Hugh Masekela's Chissa All-Stars are multi-generational torchbearers for their country's rich cultural, political and musical traditions.

The legendary hornman, Hugh Masekela will supplement his usual group for this very special tour. The featured 11-piece ensemble will include renowned South African classical-Afropop diva Sibongile Khumalo; young kwaito singer Nathi; Afro-jazz performer and producer Khaya Mahlangu and others from the impressive roster of Masekela's label Chissa Records.

Long before the term 'world music´ was coined, South African-born trumpeter and flugelhornist Hugh Masekela, was ingeniously fusing his own vibrant post-bop style with R&B, pop and African rhythms, having originally been inspired towards music by anti-apartheid activist Father Trevor Huddleton. In 1968, Masekela became an overnight sensation with his irresistible instrumental hit 'Grazing in the Grass´ With its breezy horn lines and catchy, percussive rhythms, the song topped the Billboard charts, earned a Grammy nomination and eventually sold four million copies worldwide.

Since then, Masekela has recorded with a broad spectrum of artists from Fela Kuti and Harry Belafonte to Herb Alpert and The Byrds. In the 1980s, he toured with Paul Simon in support of his acclaimed album 'Graceland´, which featured other South African artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Masekela's ex-wife Miriam Makeba.

In addition to Hugh's extensive career as one of Africa's most beloved performers, he is also the founder and co-owner of Chissa Records - South Africa's first and only black owned record label. As the label's producing manager, Hugh has been at the helm recording many of South African classic roots performers and he has also been instrumental in launching the careers of many of his country's musical new guard. The label was recently blessed with 9 nominations at the 2007 South African Music Awards.

Dj medicineman is Small World Music's resident ethnogrooveologist and one of the city's foremost global groove tastemakers. He hosts the renowned global fusion & dubtronica show 'No Man's Land' every Wednesday afternoon from 12-2 pm on CIUT 89.5 FM.

For podcasts of the program tune into www.myspace.com/medicinemanradio

WHO: Hugh Masekela's Chissa All-Stars w/ dj medicineman (CIUT 89.5 FM)
WHAT: A Small World Music and Karibuni Radio (CIUT 89.5 FM) presentation
WHERE: The Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street
WHEN: Friday, February 15th, Doors at 7 pm, Show starts at 8 pm.
TICKETS: Advance tickets are $30 at www.smallworldmusic.com and Soundscapes Records (572 College St.).

Tune in to Karibuni on CIUT 89.5 FM for African music every Sunday from 6 - 8 pm. www.ciut.fm

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