In Africa we are all the same - Hugh Masekela

By Steven Odeke

South African legendary jazz artiste Hugh Masekela jetted into the country Monday night ahead of the "Jazz It With Airtel" concert slated for Friday at Kampala Serena Hotel.

The jazz concert to also mark 20 years of Uganda's saxophonist Isaiah Katumwa in the music industry will offer Masekela his second performance in the country, since 10 years ago.

"The last time I was in Uganda, I had a great time and wondered why I never came back. Was it about something I said?" he joked, at the press briefing held on Tuesday at Serena.

The jazz stars pose for a photo with representatives of the event sponsors

"Uganda is a beautiful country and having this kind of collaboration with musicians like Katumwa helps us bridge boundaries in Africa.

"We are the same in Africa. We are a product of Africa and we need to start thinking about our children and ensure they retain their African heritage.

"The problem we have now is indigenous phobia that was created into us by people who are not even participating in our fights. We need to recognise that we are fighting for boarders that that are less than 200 years ago and were not created by us. We had great kingdoms that have since disappeared," he said.

Katumwa was grateful for the opportunity to perform alongside Masekela and vowed to deliver a performance that will meet the expectations.

"There is reason I am African and I think such moment take us to our roots. You could not talk about jazz 20 years ago in Uganda but today here we are. I am happy for this."

The show, sponsored by Airtel, Pepsi, International University Of East Africa and Serena, is expected to start at 7:00pm and take attendees through a rollercoaster of jazz music.

Masekela, a multi-instrumentalist and singer is regarded as one of the greatest jazz artistes from Africa and is famous for songs like "Market Place," "Coal Train" and "Run No More."