Hugh Masekela Accepts Friend of South Africa Award for Paul Simon

Hugh Masekela

left to right: Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, Thulani Nzima, Minister of Tourism in the Cabinet of South Africa, Hon. Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Hugh Masekela and President of South African Tourism North America, Sthu Zungu

Hugh Masekela recently accepted South African Tourism’s “Friend of South Africa” award on behalf of Paul Simon at the 2013 Ubuntu Awards on April 15 at the New York Public Library. The artists were recognized, according to a press release, “for their inspirational work, groundbreaking lyrical storytelling and cultural collaboration on the 1986 album Graceland, the critically-acclaimed album that ultimately freed South African artists from apartheid, through a special video tribute. Shining the spotlight on South Africa’s music culture long before the world took notice, Simon’s cultural thought-provoking work with the likes of Hugh Masekela, Bakithi Kumalo, Ray Phiri, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and others exposed the talents and beauty of South Africa, amidst the tumultuous time of social apartheid.”