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South African Jazz, chapter 1: The Jazz Epistles, Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba
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The roots of South African jazz began in township jazz, a vibrant, upbeat music genre born in the segregated black neighborhoods of South Africa during the 20th century. Township jazz blended traditional African rhythms and gospel music with American swing and big band jazz, which became a powerful tool for cultural pride and resistance during the repressive Apartheid era.
The Jazz Epistles with Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masekela and Mosa Jonas Gwangwa, were South Africa's first modern jazz group.
Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba became international musical superstars, while Abdullah Ibrahim evolved to become one of the music's great jazz composers
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