J’Something Pays Emotional Tribute to Hugh Masekela at HughFest 2025

HughFest 2025 became an unexpectedly emotional moment for Mi Casa’s J’Something, born João da Fonseca, 40, who used the stage not only to perform but to share his personal creative journey with the late Hugh Masekela.

On Sunday, 30 November, thousands gathered in the gardens of Nirox as J’Something spoke about the challenge of finding words for a moment that exceeded language. “We are here to honour Bra Hugh, and I have been thinking about this moment for a very long time since we received the invitation… but you arrive at a moment where you realise words don’t really matter in moments like this,” he said.

He recounted the week spent with Masekela in a forest, a period that inspired their song Heaven and You. “We decided to make a song for South Africa. We spent a whole week together in a forest, and all I did was listen to him talk and share. Through him sharing, I found a song we wanted lyrically, and it was all about him. I saw the idea of South Africa in him,” J’Something said.

During this reflective time, he absorbed the depth of Masekela’s return from exile — the pain, hope, pride, and contradictions of home — and channelled it into the song. He performed Heaven and You live for the first time at HughFest, offering the audience an intimate window into Masekela’s spirit. “As I sang that song, I was able to reflect on how he was feeling… It was the first time performing it in front of people, and I hope it sounded well to the people,” he added.

The audience responded with warmth and admiration, treating the performance as a heartfelt conversation between two artists, one living and one gone, united through music that continues to carry the soul of South Africa.

Hugh Masekela, who passed away on 23 January 2018 at 78 from prostate cancer, left a legacy that shaped South African and global jazz. His influence continues to inspire artists like J’Something.

Hugh’s nephew and co-organiser, Mabusha Masekela, reflected on the festival’s emotional significance in its 12th year. “Our vision was, and is, to always maintain the creativity, diversity and African identity that Hugh established for this festival and in his artistic career. Every year, this festival reminds us that my uncle didn’t just play music, he touched people. Seeing J’Something honour him like that was deeply moving for the family. Bra Hugh’s legacy doesn’t fade. It grows.”

HughFest 2025 highlighted the enduring power of Masekela’s music and the deep connections it continues to forge across generations.