Hugh Masekela Charms DC Crowd

THE WASHINGTON DC night club, "Zanzibar on the Water", hosted world-renowned South African jazz musician, Hugh Masekela, on January 20.

Masekela stormed the stage for two performances in front of packed audiences- people who braved one of the coldest nights of the winter to stand outside for an hour to experience Masekela's magic.

He did not disappoint his fans.

The still energetic and charismatic musician had the audience singing, dancing, laughing and reflecting.

He joked about politics and immigration, and teased over-zealous audience members, even as he awed fans with musical genius.

In attendance was US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, a former American ambassador to South Africa, who took photos and answered Masekela's call that all get up and join with many others to dance.

Masekela's music and performance were uplifting and entertaining. Famous for his activism, Masekela, stuck to those roots by singing songs like, "Nelson Mandela" and "Stimela".

He spoke enthusiastically also about Barack Obama's campaign for the US presidency, drawing cheers from the audience when he highlighted Obama's Kenyan roots. (The illinois Democrat's father is Kenyan, his mother American.)

Opening for Hugh Masekela was Kenyan songstress, Anna Mwalagho, an artiste based in the Washington DC area, who warmed up the crowd with a blend of poetry, African drums, song and African dancing.

Her lyrics were socially relevant as Mwalagho spoke of gender and development in Africa, setting just the right tone for Masekela's entrance.

Masekela entertained all who were there. Photographers and club employees set aside their duties and danced along with the South African legend.

It was clear that Hugh Masekela is not only a great musician, but is also a symbol - a symbol of struggle and a symbol of Africa.