WORLD-famous musician and activist Hugh Masekela had the small crowd in stitches with his witty retorts and remarks on Tuesday night at the re-release of his autobiography, Still Grazing: The Musical Journey of Hugh Masekela.
Masekela co-wrote the book with D Michael Cheers and it was first published in 2004.
The 76-year-old signed copies for fans and media people, and answered a few questions about the book.
“The book was forced on me by Michael, who was then the editor and managing director of Ebony magazine. When I started writing it, I was just trying to get him off my back.
“I never thought I was an important subject to be read by somebody, especially my life story,” he said, laughing and fixing his orange tie.
When the book was published in the US, it quickly sold out – as did the 5 000 copies on sale in South Africa.
The book has been re-released by Jacana, and more South Africans can experience the history, music, family and personal tales of Masekela.
“I want to thank Jacana for getting all the people, who wanted the book, off my back,” he quipped.
Masekela said he was working on a sequel along with a novel which he had worked on for 14 years, adding that he may need another 14 years to finish it.
“The book helped me get interested in writing and I’ve been trying to become a writer on the side.
“But meanwhile, I’m writing a sequel to this book because it ends in 2002, and since then, I think I’ve learnt a lot of things and I’m able to write a little more sensibly.”
The Star