South Africa at the time was becoming more and more unlivable both socially and politically. We had always dreamt of going overseas. We always wanted to meet American and European musicians and interact with them. We thought that we might have a chance to meet the same standards of playing as those musicians did if we had the same opportunities.

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela

Related Quotes

To tell you the truth, man, we spend most of the time travelling in hotels, in festivals, in concert halls, clubs, airports. The most unenjoyable part is all the security at airports.

— Hugh Masekela

AirportClubsConcert

What people don't know about oppression is that the oppressor works much harder. You always grew up being told you were not smart enough or not fast enough, but we all lived from the time we were children to beat the system.

— Hugh Masekela

AboutAlwaysBeat

I am a forward-looking person and live in the moment to build for the future.

— Hugh Masekela

I don't think what I do is influenced by suffering. I come from a talented people who are prolific in music and dance.

— Hugh Masekela

ComeDanceInfluenced

I grew up with protests, marches, demonstrations, struggle. But I come from a clan of community workers.

— Hugh Masekela

ClanComeCommunity