Hugh Masekela - No Borders

The Guardian 80

(Universal)

South Africa’s most celebrated musician is 77 but still breaking down musical barriers with a set “covering most of the international African world”. This is Hugh Masekela’s first album in five years, and the emphasis is on his powerful vocal work as much as his horn playing. There are reminders of his travels to Nigeria and meetings with Fela Kuti on Shango, his visits to Kinshasa with Congo Women, while the South African township jive includes a stirring reworking of The Rooster and the gutsy KwaZulu. At almost 80 minutes, it’s a long and varied set. It also includes a rap treatment of Don’t Lose It Baby and keyboard-backed ballads, but there are some real gems. The opening Shuffle & Bow is a furious, bluesy scream against slavery, while Tapera matches guitar and growled, soulful vocals from the veteran Zimbabwean hero Oliver Mtukudzi against magnificent Masekela horn work.