Hugh Masekela gig back on at Dubai Opera House

The South African music legend is presently battling prostate cancer

South African jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela. Marco Destefanis / Pacific Press / LightRocket via Getty Images

Hugh Masekela’s Dubai Opera performance has been rescheduled.

The South African trumpeter cancelled his original December 11 performance in order to focus on his treatment for prostate cancer.

Fortunately, the 78-year-old has rearranged a string of missed dates with his Dubai show to take place on March 8. Jazz fans are in for a treat as Masekela is one of the rare survivors of the genre’s golden period.

Arriving in New York in 1960 at the age of 21, Masekela enrolled at the Manhattan School of Music and delved right into the New York music scene which saw him developing his technique under the guidance of the late Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong. Masekela also performed alongside many rock icons, as part of his appearance in the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival he shared the stage with the likes of Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix and The Who.

The inspiration rubbed off on him as the following year he released Grazin' in the Grass, the single and jazz classic topped the American pop charts and established Masekela's international reputation.

With over 30 albums released spanning seven decades, Masekela will come to Dubai on the back of his latest collection, No Borders.

Released last year, the album features a guest slot by fellow South African music legend, the guitarist Themba Mokoena.

Tickets are from Dh195 from www.dubaiopera.com

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