WOMEX to Support Hugh Masekela’s Musicians & Artists Assistance Programme of South Africa

Along with his WOMEX Artist Award, South African jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela will be given funds to put into a project of his own choice.

After battling his own 44-year addiction, Hugh Masekela founded MAAPSA – Musicians & Artists Assistance Programme of South Africa. It was launched in October 1998 to raise funds, fight substance abuse, and provide support to artists and performers in need of help and guidance to overcome addiction.

MAAPSA is a non-profit organization that has assisted many leading South African entertainers, including Kabelo and Tsepo Tshola, as well as dozens of ordinary people who come from an artistic background. It offers referrals to rehabilitation treatment centers, after care, intervention, counseling, guidance lectures, and fundraising campaigns to cover treatment bills and administration salaries.

MAAPSA provides free advisory services to guide those in need of help and now boasts a 70 percent successful recovery rate.

Masekela says, “The one thing that I think all musicians who have recovered from addiction of any kind have found, is that support from people who understand the specific challenges of addiction in the entertainment industry was crucial in helping them emerge into sobriety. Alcohol and drug dependence are destroying our great nation.”

Now in its 13th year, MAAPSA continues to grow from strength to strength and is now looking to partner similar international organizations.