Biopic on South African Jazz Legend Hugh Masekela Announced

A new feature film will portray the life of Hugh Masekela, the South African trumpeter known as the father of African jazz and a prominent anti‑apartheid activist. South African actor‑producer Thabo Rametsi will play Masekela, while British actress and singer Cynthia Erivo will depict fellow musician Miriam Makeba. American singer‑songwriter John Legend has been cast as Harry Belafonte, who supported Masekela’s exile and civil‑rights work.

The film, listed on IMDb, will explore Masekela’s decades‑long career, his exile during the 1980s, the cultural boycott controversy surrounding Paul Simon’s *Graceland* album, and the formation of the Graceland group that aimed to showcase South African music worldwide. Release dates have not yet been announced.