Lupita Nyong’o made an surprise visit to Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City in support of her boyfriend Selema Masekela. The chic duo attended “Celebration of South Africa Through Jazz Legend Hugh Masekela,” an occasion that served as the official induction of Hugh Masekela, Selema’s late father, into the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame. Known as one of the most prominent South African musicians who used his platform to fight apartheid, Hugh Masekela spent 30 years in exile before returning to his beloved homeland.
The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever actress and Masekela strolled through a pre-reception image gallery that displayed some of the greatest figures in jazz history, like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. Hugh Masekela’s beloved instrument, housed in a glass case, was also on display.
Band at Hugh Masekela Induction. Image: Sara Kerens/AP.
The couple then headed to Dizzy’s Club, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s live performances venue, where the Masekela family was gifted a crystal plaque to commemorate Hugh Masekela’s induction. The couple cozied up while dining and listening to a spectacular performance by contemporary trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni and other artists who treated the crowd to South African music and a tribute to the famous South African trumpeter.
Hugh Masekela Induction. Image: Sara Kerens/AP.
The board of South Africa Tourism hosted the day’s activities with the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation. The organization, which was established by the singer himself, aims to revitalize Africa’s identity and share it with the rest of the world while preserving and promoting the continent’s history and culture through the arts and education.
