Hugh Masekela - Homecoming Concert
Jazz trumpet virtuoso Hugh Masekela was born in South Africa and first played in bands there before being exiled from his native land for more than 30 years. After achieving musical success and a following in the U.S., Masekela celebrated the downfall of apartheid by returning to South Africa and embarking on a triumphant concert tour. This DVD captures a joyous night on that tour, as Masekela performs before a joyous, dancing audience in Johannesburg. Backed by saxophone, electric guitar, electric bass, keyboards, and a multitude of drums and percussion instruments, Masekela unleashes inspiring trumpet solos. At one point, a troupe of South African vocalists takes the stage, and the heartfelt songs of freedom make it obvious that Masekela's shows were about much more than music.  Masekela cheerfully sings along and seems to be making a profound connection with his homeland. Throughout the concert, a number of South African guest artists, both singers and dancers, share the stage with Masekela's brilliant band, making what begins as a jazz concert an ebullient sampler of native rhythms. The music is brilliant, and the lively performers and audience make this a concert that deserves to be seen.--Robert J. McNamara