On Stage Design Indaba 2011: Hugh Masekela

In this exclusive interview conducted after his surprise performance at Design Indaba Conference in 2011, trumpeter and jazz maestro Hugh Masekela talks about the central place of music in his life. "Music in Africa is a part of everything," he says.

A pivotal personality in the creative community that underpinned the struggle against Apartheid, Masekela recounts how he got into the industry and was helped along by greats such as Miriam Makeba, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Harry Belafonte. "Music and theatre were a great catalyst for freedom," he notes.

Hugh Masekela is a world-renowned flugelhornist, singer and defiant political voice who remains deeply connected to South Africa while he continues a lively international tour schedule. He first picked up a horn at age 14 and was still blowing strong when he met his untimely death at age 78.