Spotify MOM x Shelflife Presents: a Tribute to Hugh Masekela
On the 5th of September, Spotify will ignite the Mother City with the launch of MOM: Mother of Music and we are super excited to be a part of this incredible celebration. The four day MOM event will undoubtedly immerse the city in the African Renaissance, spotlighting emerging sounds, art, and culture in Cape Town as South Africa’s creative heartbeat.
With the spotlight on MOM, we couldn’t forget about the rest of the family... and so it only made sense for us at Shelflife to spotlight the "father of Jazz" and South African legend, Hugh Masekela. As part of the MOM launch, we will be hosting a Hugh Masekala Tribute First Thursdays event, in collaboration with the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation (HMHF).
In true Shelflife fashion, the night will be a celebration of all that has come before and all that is to come. The focus of the evening will be a retrospective of Bra Hugh’s life, with a gallery exhibition featuring photographs of the beloved musician, posters of his previous events, personal effects of Masekela and two incredible exhibition pieces, which will be on display. Alongside this, there will be complimentary snacks and drinks available, accompanied by sounds brought to you by Atiyyah Khan and Paul Waxon, to really set the tone for the night.
We have also managed to secure a highly exclusive Spotify x HMHF x Shelflife Capsule Collection, which will be available for purchase on the night. The collection will boast a record bag and screen-printed tees with iconic imagery by Brett Rubin.
EXHIBITION PIECES
Hedzoleh Soundz:
Based on this iconic Hugh image and created by legendary US graphic artist Milton Glaser (1929 – 2020), originator of the I LOVE NEW YORK campaign with its unique heart graphic that has become part of the US popular lexicon, for Masekela’s 1972 Philharmonic Hall concert at Lincoln Center, New York City. This image would later adorn the gatefold sleeve of his 1973 Chisa Blue Thumb release, Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz.
The Louis Armstrong Horn:
Leaving for England in early 1956, Father Huddleston first visited several U.S. cities and even had occasion to meet with Dr. Martin Luther King, discussing the burgeoning U.S. civil rights movement and the brewing horrors of Apartheid in South Africa. It happened that a clarinet-playing Brother, familiar to Huddleston, was friends with Louis Armstrong’s clarinet player Barney Bigard, an alumni of Duke Ellington’s orchestra.
Before a Louis Armstrong performance one night at the Civic Auditorium in Rochester, New York, Father Huddleston managed to finagle his way backstage to meet ol’ Satchmo. Eager to procure more instruments for his young charges, Father Huddleston regaled Satch with stories of the Huddleston Jazz Band, young South Africans dedicated and determined to learning music properly.
According to The Star, Armstrong’s response ran something like, “I figured they’d rather have a horn I’ve been drawin’ a few of those notes on than a new one.” Lucille, Armstrong’s wife, herself an alumnus of the Cotton Club, mailed one of Louis’ used trumpets to South Africa. Arriving on April 11th, 1956, one week after Hugh’s 17th
birthday, Louis’ horn made Hugh, and his band, the talk of the town. That evening the band gathered at the Polly Community Center, where they were photographed and interviewed by a throng of photographers and journalists. The story ran in both editions of The Star, Bantu and European.
About the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation
The Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation exists to preserve and promote African heritage through arts and education and to contribute to the restoration of Africa’s identity and share it with the world.
The Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation was founded by Hugh Masekela in 2015, driven by his passion and commitment to preserve and promote African heritage.
EVENT DETAILS:
The Spotify MOM x Shelflife Hugh Masekela Tribute Event will be open to all, with complimentary drinks and snacks available. (PLEASE NOTE: SPACE IS LIMITED)
Where?
Shelflife Store, 50 Bree St, CPT
When?
First Thursday, 05 September 2024
Time?
18:00 – 21:00
The Capsule Collection will be available for purchase at our Cape Town store only, while stocks last.
All profits from the sales of the bags and tees will go directly to the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation.
We look forward to seeing you there!