Selema Masekela Part 1: Hugh Masekela, Apartheid, Method Man, Identity & South Africa - One54 Africa
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Show notes
Selema Masekela joins One54 Africa for a conversation about identity, family, culture, sports, music, and the legacy of his father, Hugh Masekela. The Emmy-nominated host, journalist, broadcaster, musician, filmmaker, and longtime X Games personality discusses his unique upbringing as the son of a South African father, Haitian mother, and Puerto Rican stepfather.
Selema opens up about discovering that his father, Hugh Masekela, was a legendary South African jazz musician and anti-apartheid activist. He reflects on Hugh's international success, including "Grazing in the Grass," his exile from South Africa, and his relationships with musicians and artists across the African diaspora.
He also shares stories about growing up in Staten Island alongside Method Man, his childhood relationship with his father, and how Hugh's complicated experiences with apartheid, exile, grief, and addiction affected their family.
The conversation then moves into Selema's career in action sports and media, including his work with ESPN, the X Games, surfing, snowboarding, and his unexpected journey into television. He explains how becoming the host of American Ninja Warrior gave him another major opportunity in entertainment after leaving ESPN and turning away from traditional television.
Selema recounts returning to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Hugh Masekela and explains how John Skipper and ESPN brought them together to create programming that highlighted South Africa's culture, people, history, and diversity.
He reflects on Hugh's life in exile, his activism against apartheid, his time in Nigeria with Fela Kuti, and his involvement in the music surrounding the Rumble in the Jungle and Soul Power. Selema also discusses the importance of cultural curiosity and how his father's experiences shaped the way he views Africa and the world.
Later, Selema explores the history of Black people and surfing, explaining the longstanding relationship between Africans and the ocean and how slavery and racism disrupted that connection. He discusses African surfing traditions in places like Ghana and Senegal and the importance of reclaiming that history. Touching on Selema's multicultural identity, his public relationship with Lupita Nyong'o, and the cultural connections between South Africa, Haiti, Kenya, America, and the broader African diaspora.
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