Selema Masekela Part 2: Fela Kuti, X Games, Lupita Nyong'o, Surfing & Black Culture - One54 Africa

Selema Masekela Part 2: Fela Kuti, X Games, Lupita Nyong'o, Surfing & Black Culture - One54 Africa

August 26, 2026 · 1h 15m · Season 1 · Episode 45

About this episode

Selema Masekela discusses his upbringing, family legacy, and career in action sports and media.

Selema Masekela joins One54 Africa for a conversation about identity, family, culture, sports, music, and the legacy of his father, Hugh Masekela. The Emmy-nominated host, journalist, broadcaster, musician, filmmaker, and longtime X Games personality discusses his unique upbringing as the son of a South African father, Haitian mother, and Puerto Rican stepfather. Selema opens up about discovering that his father, Hugh Masekela, was a legendary South African jazz musician and anti-apartheid activist. He reflects on Hugh's international success, including "Grazing in the Grass," his exile from South Africa, and his relationships with musicians and artists across the African diaspora. He also shares stories about growing up in Staten Island alongside Method Man, his childhood relationship with his father, and how Hugh's complicated experiences with apartheid, exile, grief, and addiction affected their family. The conversation then moves into Selema's career in action sports and media, including his work with ESPN, the X Games, surfing, snowboarding, and his unexpected journey into television. He explains how becoming the host of American Ninja Warrior gave him another major…

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