Jazz lovers were treated to an exceptional show on Friday as the globally acclaimed South African jazz maestro Hugh Masekela took the stage at the Safaricom Jazz Lounge in Nairobi, Kenya.

In his first appearance at the Safaricom Jazz Lounge, which is one of a series of events that lead up to the annual Safaricom International Jazz Festival, the now 77-year-old composer, singer and instrumentalist thrilled the crowd despite chilly temperatures.

Masekela – who was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1968 for Best Contemporary Pop Performance (Instrumental) for his album Grazin’ in the Grass – has released over 40 albums in a career spanning over 60 years, in that time working with numerous artists in the USA, Africa and Europe including Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Dizzy Gillespie, Otis Redding, Harry Belafonte and Herb Alpert among others. More recently, he received another Grammy nomination in 2011 for his critically acclaimed album Jabulani and released his latest album – Playing @ Work – in 2013.

Proceeds from all ticket sales of Friday’s show will be donated to the Ghetto Classics music programme based in Korogocho.

GALLERY