Hugh Masekela - Stimela (Coal Train) Best Version

[@IlkerErkose]

It took 25+ years for me to find this legendary song and listen to it one more time :( I don’t know how to express my feelings. Been long time and I didn’t even know the name of it, who composed it, what language it was.. The only thing my ears remember all the time for more than 25 years was how great that trumpet solo and melody were. I almost lost my hopes if I can find it and listen to it again. I was probably something between 10 and 15 years old it was in a cassette where it was randomly recorded from a radio by someone. The most incredible part of the story that this song was maybe a kind of sign that tells me that I will be spending 5 years of my life in Johannesburg, around 10000km away from my home. I had no idea what he is talking about when I first listen to it. Now, I know..

[@1066keefurban]

The best version of Stimela that magnified Hugh’s magnificent ability on the horn ❤

[@julieandstephenwyard3166]

This is the version we first loved in London in the 80's when apartheid was still terrorising the people of South Africa. One of the most beautiful and powerful pieces of music ever. Thanks HM and fare well.

[@GypsyBluesMan]

Do you mean that Masekela used to play this tune in 80s?

[@bewilderedpenguin6029]

Saw him in Oxford early ‘80s, could have kept this going all night and we’d have been happy!

[@robjackson5245]

@@GypsyBluesMan This tune goes back to 1989.

[@BallroomJam]

@@robjackson5245 I think it goes back earlier. I remember listening to it in Ireland before I emigrated in 1986. What a powerful song and performance all round. The rhythm section, the trumpet, the vocals and backing vocals, the production - everything. The 12" single vinyl version on a great sound system has left a lasting memory.

[@NaaYahwMusicgh]

I first saw this album in 80s from my senior brother’s collections and have loved till today as I am playing it.The best of the Stimelas.

[@mizpahboy7513]

I play this song every morning to start my day. I find it very uplifting and it gives me a deep spiritual feeling. I try to sing the words, I have no idea of their meaning but they sound immensely beautiful and the tune always gets me on track for the day ahead. Hugh Masekela was one hell of a musician, composer and human being and sadly his like will never be seen again but his wonderful music will live forever.

[@2222isabella]

A timeless gem. Pure gold. Always comes back to me like a dear old friend.

[@michaelkutsirayi8794]

This is the best version indeed.

[@rootsdawta1]

Been searching for this version. So glad I've found'it. Thank you!

[@ingridgibbs5387]

I saw Hugh Masekela at th Apollo Theater in New York City some time in 1997, he gave a performance I will never forget. Coal Train is one of my most favorite songs. Rip.

[@warriboy9850]

Simply Awesome. Thanks for memories. Hugh Masekela RIP.

[@jimsebastiansharman]

RIP Bra. Memories of Toxteth Community Radio 1988/89 hearing this beautiful yet haunting and sad song. His vocals and his trumpet are unrivalled - a real loss. Thank you, Bra, for your inspiration to millions in fighting the inherent evil of apartheid.

[@mcclendonreport]

The correct spelling is "bruh".

[@jimsebastiansharman]

Either is acceptable, bruh! Let that not however detract from the sentiment. He is missed.

[@robjackson5245]

Which was a "Friends"-watching Allied Nordicist Yankee Viking thing, not a Boer one btw. They also were worse than Nazi Germany or Fascist Italy, neither of which are white.

[@jimsebastiansharman]

@@mcclendonreport most likely an auto correct from older worse phone. Sentiment still stands though. Focus.

[@EsemeEric-ql2bq]

My big brother in law in Diedo Cameroon Épée Moudourou made me know this music in the early 1990's. I still love it,

[@luvuyobhengu]

There's something about this version man. The best

[@EsemeEric-ql2bq]

African trumpet is the best worldwide

[@luvuyobhengu]

Amazing 👏

[@jacobzaranyika9334]

Thank you🙏.

[@frankfim]

its sad this generation is being swept from this planet….. Mirriam makeba, Hugh……. and many more . but their music lives on….

[@visionseeker7678]

I am in awe.

[@romeolebitsa3309]

RIP legend your legacy lives!

[@claudeyoung568]

I luv ya man. I respect what u stood for. Rest n peace. You may B gone but not 4-gotten. Agape!

[@jeanpaulnitcheu7508]

The 80s till now l'm happy to listen and enjoy.

[@juliesender1560]

There is good in the world......... he is the prime example. RIP . We need u more than ever.............

[@ringerman]

Bra Hugh - thanks for all!

[@kamalmalek812]

Best version indeed. So moving.

[@sibaskyes4168]

My favorite version of the song

[@NyattiSaxPrime]

my fave rendition...that sax intro is a killer!!

[@nekijosip]

Beautiful...simply beautiful.

[@albertfields5627]

There is a train that comes from Namibia and Malawi There is a train that comes from Zambia and Zimbabwe, There is a train that comes from Angola and Mozambique, From Lesotho, from Botswana, from Zwaziland, From all the hinterland of Southern and Central Africa. This train carries young and old, African men Who are conscripted to come and work on contract In the golden mineral mines of Johannesburg And its surrounding metropolis, sixteen hours or more a Day For almost no pay. Deep, deep, deep down in the belly of the earth When they are digging and drilling that shiny mighty Evasive stone, Or when they dish that mish mesh mush food Into their iron plates with the iron shank. Or when they sit in their stinking, funky, filthy, Flea-ridden barracks and hostels. They think about the loved ones they may never see again Because they might have already been forcibly removed From where they last left them Or wantonly murdered in the dead of night By roving, marauding gangs of no particular origin, We are told. they think about their lands, their herds That were taken away from them With a gun, bomb, teargas and the cannon. And when they hear that Choo-Choo train They always curse, curse the coal train, The coal train that brought them to Johannesburg. Songwriters: Hugh Masekela, Emile Dernst, Diana Wynter Gordon. For non-commercial use only.

[@clevel258]

Damn...title is correct.... I love the album version but this is just on another level!

[@adecirkett5351]

saw Hugh at Glyne and my children's mother is from Botswana this is awesome they played it at glyne.

[@michaelkutsirayi2137]

Pure genius!

[@unitypeace6316]

RIP and thank you ❤💙💚💛💜

[@claudeyoung5376]

Thank you Sir for keeping it real! Love your music since the 60's!

[@koaaaholla2478]

🙋‍♂️Greetings from Greece!

[@almac6815]

Phenomenal musician

[@frankfim]

Miles Davis was great…… and Hugh Masekela was the Miles of Africa...

[@silvestrofassari2354]

Absolutely!!

[@ThembaMavimbela]

Superbly awsome

[@frankfim]

this is the greatest version of the all

[@blackknight7017]

CHECK OUT THIS VERSION: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ2wgoqkh6eEqJI

[@kitty2pat]

I agree, this is indeed the best version. Maybe it's due to the fact it's done in the studio. I play it often. I like " Witch Doctor" as well. I got an unexpected history lesson from it in a way I couldn't have in school !

[@blackknight7017]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ2wgoqkh6eEqJI

[@robjackson5245]

This version is beastin'

[@personelavontuur]

Blissful beauty

[@ceugoddard1244]

Stimela ❤

[@puciohenzap891]

Never heard this version!

[@paulknight8254]

Thankyou Hugh.RIP

[@ValnirFielMZ]

RIP Hugh Masekela.Por sinal findou a sua missão nesta terra…tanto rogou que Deus lhe concedesse uma missão [Thuma mina, Send me] para dar a mão pelos acamados, pelos alcoólatras, pelos drogados, pelas vitimas de violência e abuso, e não só...a música foi o seu instrumento e fê-lo na medida certa, com perfeição paixão e muito activismo e profissionalismo.

[@delamarkys1]

RIP tata

[@JouJouMaMaDolls]

Poignant even still today.

[@robjackson5245]

Dat trumpit son!

[@michaelgeorgiadis1854]

❤

[@vuianomacoa4953]

Grande homem

[@ChrisBrown-ig5ip]

Still the Best Version! Check out Grazin in the Grass (1968)

[@hikimism]

Of all the versions of this song, this is by far my favourite and has stuck in my head since the 1980s when I used to have a Hugh Masakela tape with this on it. Anyone know the title of that tape/CD/album? I would love to get it again...........

[@rolphefehlmann1360]

I feel just exactly the same and i would also like to know it!

[@jimsebastiansharman]

Toxteth Community Radio played this tune to death and I loved it!!!! Never did find out which album it was on.........

[@arnulfhaubold]

Title of the album is "Waiting for the Rain"

[@swimkim8889]

@@arnulfhaubold Thank you Arnulf Haubold.....I am so happy to find it again! 🥰

[@waltersager7972]

anyone know the name of this album?

[@LaJolieFemmeNoire]

Is there anyone out there who can & would be willing to translate into English the words for me ? I want to know exactly what is being said though I sing along as if I know what Im singing.....

[@beaulah_califa9867]

I find these comments so strange! Why limit yourself to a recording when his live shows are unparalled in beauty.

[@Davit-Bagrationi42]

👍👍✌✌✌

[@brianmarlonkaswa913]

I Miss "Johasburg"

[@tembasibanda9342]

RIP Lalangokuthula

[@blackknight7017]

BLACK POWER!

[@leifbjarnegundersen3110]

The VERSION from 1993 is BETTER 😍😇🌅🌹🌹🌹

[@mohaumoloto5253]

I agree, this version is soothing though.

[@robertgoodison435]

it brings goose bumps to my sole.r.i.p

[@robjackson5245]

Both versions is poppin' but this one fits and coincides with the release of "Lethal Weapon 2" in 1989, which this song is essentially the song form of. "Free South Africa" - Murtaugh was one ill nigga! That movie was gangsta and ill as fuck!