Arts and Culture Minister, Mr Paul Mashatile invites the media to join him at a special event to congratulate Hugh Masekela, Lira and MiCasa on their recent achievements.
Multi-Award winner Lira and House music phenomenon, MiCasa have been invited to perform for United States (US) President Barrack Obama, at the prestigious 2013 Ambassadors Inaugural Ball, which follows the American leader’s inauguration.
Internationally renowned Jazz icon Hugh Masekela will perform at a separate event also marking the US President’s swearing into office for a 2nd term. Masekela, was also recently, nominated for a Grammy Award.
“We once again take this opportunity to congratulate Bra Hugh, Lira and MiCasa on their recent outstanding achievements. All of you represent some of the finest talent our country has to offer. We couldn’t be prouder of you, our South African music ambassadors,” said Mashatile.
Masekela is for the second time, in the running for a Grammy Award. His 2010 album Jabulani, which was produced and arranged by Don Laka, has been nominated in the “Best World Music Album” category. The 2013 Grammy® Awards are to be held on 10 February 2013. Jabulani is a selection of traditional African wedding songs, which Masekela has re-interpreted.
"This nomination is really for the people of the townships and the indigenous rural areas because Jabulani is a collection of their wedding songs, so this international recognition shows just how powerful and rich our cultural heritage is in South Africa," said Masekela. The Jazz legend, who heads for the US soon, will also receive the “Keeper of the Flame” Award from the African American Church. Previous recipients of the Award are Dr. Maya Angelou and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Through the implementation of our Mzansi Golden Economy strategy, we as the Department of Arts and Culture will continue to create conditions that will help local artists achieve the levels of success that Lira, MiCasa and Bra Hugh enjoy, both domestically and internationally, added Mashatile.
“In particular through the establishment of a touring venture we hope to create more opportunities for our artists to tour our country and the world. So they gain exposure to new markets and audiences,” concluded Mashatile.
Date: Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Time: 10h45 for 11h00
Venue: Emoyeni Estate, 15 Jubilee Road, Parktown 2193
For media RSVP:
Josias Pila
Cell: 078 733 9709
Email: JosiasP@dac.gov.za
Patience Mogomotsi
Cell: 071 680 6709
Email: PatienceM@dac.gov.za
For media inquiries contact:
Percy Mthimkhulu
Cell: 082 389 2684
