adminICONIC trumpeter, Hugh Masekela, has vowed not to take pictures with women who wear weaves or any artificial hair.
In a strong statement issued on Tuesday, Bra Hugh, who was recently in Zimbabwe, explained why he continues to refuse to take pictures with women who do not appreciate their own African hair, asking not to be forced into it.
“If you’re wearing a weave, don’t be surprised if I refuse to be photographed with you. I’ll not be part of betraying our African heritage,” Bra Hugh said.
Wherever he performs, Bra Hugh refuses to take photos with women with weaves or extensions.
He said it was “difficult” for him to pose with such women because he preached heritage and would not want to be seen with “people who don’t look like heritage”.
“It’d be hypocritical of me to appear in photos with people donning foreign wigs, chemically altered hairdos, Asian, European and South American extensions, except in cases where my refusal could result in my imprisonment, deportation or demise.”
“From a spiritual heritage perspective, it feels awkward. I feel bad for them because they wear it with so much pride. When Steve Biko spoke about consciousness it was politicised, but it’s the same thing.”
He made it clear that he was not forcing people to change their ways, but he just does not want to be associated with fake people.
“I don’t wish to stop anybody from the choices they make or the cultures they want to serve themselves as fodder for. I’m only begging not to be forced to join the dive of the lemmings or sheep over the cliff,” he said.
Bra Hugh said it was “painful” to sit back and watch high profile women happily wearing weaves, yet it is against their traditions.
“It’s painful to watch government officials, celebrities and prominent women in business, media, sports, religion and education wearing these devices with so much deep pride, aplomb and joy – especially the grannies who’re at an age where surely nobody is looking anymore.”
“I’m pleasantly surprised whenever I see people of the African female community who look like themselves in newspapers, magazines and journals, on television, in the theatre and at concerts. It’s as rare a sighting as an albatross,” Bra Hugh added. — Channel24/Showbiz Reporter.
Online Reporter