A tribute to the late South African jazz legend, the Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival (HughFest) hosted by  Assupol and The Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation, takes place at the tranquil Nirox Sculpture Park in the Cradle of Humankind with an evocative line-up of music, dance, and spoken word. This festival is themed around promoting African heritage and culture to a cross-generational, cross-cultural audience. 

The festival takes place under the trees on the Nirox main lawn. The line-up for this year truly reflects Bra Hugh's creative and varied style of African soul music. You can expect Tresor's tones, heritage jazz compositions by pianist Zoe Molelekwa, the sounds of  Maskandi artist Ihhashi Elimhlophe, and gospel choir Amadodana Ase Wesile. Another group to look forward to is the Masekela Band with Nigerian guitarist Kunle Ayo. Closing off is the former lead singer of Freshlyground, Zolani Mahola, also known as The One Who Sings, and her band The Feminine Force, made up of a roving band of all femme players, including multi-instrumentalist and scholar of traditional African music Sky Dladla, Cal Thompson on bass guitar, Chante Phillips on drums, Ntombe Halam on percussion, and Genevieve Lee on acoustic guitar.

Bring your friends and family for a time to celebrate, reflect, dance and cheer. Make a day of it, grab lunch from the Epicurean Emporium and enjoy drinks from Bernie’s Bar at The Lawn Pavilion. You can also book a table for lunch at the Nirox restaurant, And then there was fire. 

Doors open at 10:00, and performances are from 11:00-17:30.