Hugh Masekela

One of our longest-standing, and most respected, presenters reflects on when she met the South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela back in 2015 as well as other moments she holds close to heart during her time at the station.

‘Meeting Hugh Masekela was so special; basking in his warmth, his wit and vivid reminders of such a life! He burst into song at one point and I loved his great stories about mischief-making in his youth enhanced by flashes of the Nkosa click language - but I didn't quite dare ask him to try and teach me! His contempt for the brutal apartheid regime in South Africa was delivered with a forceful clarity. It is a conversation that reminded me of how much I love Africa, the people, the music, the beat of the street. I miss him.

Another memorable encounter was when the Brazilian band Bixiga 70, all seven of them (or was it eight?!), crammed into our small studio…we struggled with each other’s languages but had such fun exploring their music, sometimes with added riffs beaten out on the studio furniture. It was also a delight talking to Sue Mingus, widow of one of jazz's brightest stars and a hero of mine. She put a lovely dow- to-earth spin on the great man who carried such a volatile reputation alongside magnificent music-making- I'd just stumbled out of Ronnie Scott's Club after being submerged in the music played by The Mingus Big Band, not a tribute band but a roaring, joyous reminder of the man's huge contribution to jazz.

Jazz FM has been such a joy in my life; to meet some of the music's star players has been so special, discovering new music has been thrilling and exploring the world with jazz travels has brought some fascinating encounters. Above all, I have made so many new friends along the way.’

You can listen to Sarah's interview below: