Hugh Masekela to Celebrate Mama Afrika at Blaze Festival 2011 in London

Sunday 10 July & Monday 11 July 2011
Hugh Masekela: Celebrate Mama Afrika
Hackney Empire
Produced by Serious

The spirit of Africa’s best-known voice, Miriam Makeba lives on in this all-star celebration Sunday 10 July & Monday 11 July 2011 at Hackney Empire in London. The event is curated by another giant of South African music, legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela.

Mama Afrika brings together some of the finest vocal talent the continent has to offer to pay tribute to Makeba, who died in 2008 at the age of 76. The former Johannesburg club singer became a voice for the anti-apartheid struggle in her native South Africa, yet was exiled for 31 years under the regime. Fortunately, her extraordinarily pure voice and the fame of hits like Pata Pata, Westwinds and The Song endured and she returned at the personal request of Nelson Mandela, touring extensively around the globe until her death.

The line-up also includes South Africa’s ‘The Voice’ Vusi Mahlasela, celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and poetic, optimistic lyrics; plus award-winning Thandiswa – who created a massive impact when she guested with Tony Allen at the Barbican last October; and influential female vocal trio The Mahotella Queens, who opened for Hugh Masekela at last year’s London Jazz Festival. An extraordinary opportunity to re-live the music of Africa’s greatest voice.

Sunday 10 July & Monday 11July 2011
Hugh Masekela: Celebrate Mama Afrika
Hackney Empire
Produced by Serious

Box Office: 0845 120 7550
www.barbican.org.uk/blaze
Barbican Centre
Silk Street
London