Selema Masekela | The Nine Club - Episode 290

[@BackpackBeatz]

Selema really made skateboarding a more comfortable space for black people to want to be involved in. Seeing a black guy with locs working in skateboarding was something I'd never seen before. My mom never bought me tapes, so he was my first intro to black people in the culture. Changed my life foreal

[@cameronsafford9758]

Absolutely! When I saw him I knew I wasnt wrong.

[@Davanillaguerrilla]

that's how it was with my friends except it was Kareem Campbell lol

[@BackpackBeatz]

@@Davanillaguerrilla he's the same for me too! When I got that Tony Hawk demo on PS1 and saw Kareem on there, I was sold haha

[@ERICF66]

When my brother and I started skating BITD we got so much shit from OTHER black kids for doing what they called “white boy shit”!! It was ridiculous and we certainly didn’t care and kept on doing it! 🛹🛹👊🏽👊🏽

[@garnet4846]

Pathetic, do you need your hand held to feel safe too?

[@JimMurphyinSTL]

Bravo to The Nine Club & Selema Masekela! This is arguably one of the most compelling interviews The Nine Club has recorded to date. Thank you for sharing your journey, Selema. The story of making that connection with your father regarding what you do and his comparison to what he loves and can understand was incredibly moving. It literally brought me to tears. I can't even begin to understand how special making that connection felt. Keep up the great work!

[@ianhauschild8938]

Lol just said the same thing didn't even read the comments lol. I bet Kelly was just soaking this one up so many gems

[@theramplocal]

Sel is the man

[@BurtoniousPrime]

1:43:12 this story is AMAZING, gave me goosebumps on how the late great Hugh Masekela compared skateboarding to jazz!! Wow.

[@Stryke2wice]

Appreciate the time stamp, well placed!

[@Bobby_Pyn]

YES! There's been so many descriptions of what Skateboarding really is to the average joe. I've never heard it translated so eliquently. Thank you for the stamp. I save this help explain my hobby.

[@kiana685]

Selema is THE voice of x games for me. Some of the athletes these days are fun to watch but the overall vibes aren’t even remotely close to what they used to be when he was a regular.

[@Sk84Dayz17]

Honestly haven’t even watched the xgames since he stopped commentating. Just the best

[@greens294]

To go from Selema to Gary Rogers is deeply painful. No shade to Gary, but that just aint it for me

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

​@@greens294agreed. Gary ain't it.

[@johnfodo4129]

100% the face of the X Game's! I would if walked to!

[@kiana685]

@@greens294 Man, I have to mute the tv when he’s on. He has a lot of energy but he’s just not my style.

[@BrentEricksonszn]

Selema is such a legend. The soundtrack to so many of us growing up.

[@LLEHCTIMx]

Realizing grazing in the grass was his father gave me goosebumps. Amazing episode

[@watsupwitdatpodcast]

The comparison of skateboarding to jazz from his father, what a great moment 👏🏼 👏🏼

[@datsdatshark3052]

“Skateboarding is jazz”. Beautiful quote coming from a legend. Nothing like the rhythm of a dope skate session

[@Bobby_Pyn]

I just caught up with this episode on Spotify as I worked last night. Since I wasn't able to find a way to leave a positive remark there, I've come here. I just wanted to say, I've been touched, comforted, and entertained by many episodes, but this one really moved me. Selema you are a beautiful treasure and an enchanting being to listen to. I very much look foward to a Stop and Chat and will be digging more into you until then. Salute.

[@aaronshapiro8822]

Selema is a master storyteller. Such an inspiring and entertaining episode.

[@frotocsr]

One of the most memorable episodes in a long time. Thank you Nine Club and thank you Selema! Made my entire day

[@wormbros]

One of the best Club episodes! I legit didn’t recognize how Selema is!

[@HandsomePuggg]

ice

[@Ur-_-Killa-TV]

SPECIAL!!!

[@ShermanVonGee]

One of, if not the best episode ever! Selema has such a commanding voice that needs to be heard by all!

[@matthewchandler8743]

Best interview y’all have done . Selema is the voice of a generation! I Don’t tear up often , but this one got me . Nothing but respect and ❤

[@PCSkate401]

Why did you tear up?….

[@leastselfawarepotassium]

@@PCSkate401probably nostalgia if I can relate at all.

[@EDCsteals]

This is one of the best Nine Club episodes ever, specifically because of Sal recounting the night of Tony Hawks 900 and his impact all across skateable don’t at the time. When Tony did the 900 I think I was like 10 or 11. I knew it was a big deal and everyone knew Tony Hawk for it but I had no idea how big it was to the rest of the world until Sal explained it like he did.

[@joshuaguerra7601]

This entire interview really moved me, coming from someone that grew up watching x-games and knowing his voice but not the person. Learning who Selema is and his background is an incredible story. Also want to give a shout out to the Nine Club for giving a platform for the uncomfortable conversations that is our lived experiences in America. From navigating white culture, balancing how to fit in without losing our culture/heritage, talking about housing discrimination, and overall pointing out how the new generation is pushing back against old norms. Black and brown bodies at the beach surfing should be normal in LA but unfortunately, it is not. I grew up in LA in early 2000's getting put in the back of a police car for skating behind a shopping center. Fast forward today you guys on the podcast are helping elevate our stories and reinforcing that skateboarding is an expression of the individual that should be promoted by the city, not criminalized.

[@intothebreak571]

“More tech than a Nokia” that line will never leave my mind. Such a good interview

[@koijoijoe]

Selema is the GOAT, so excited to see this!

[@anthonyv6962]

What an incredible story Selema has, he's a real asset to board sports. That story he told about his father see it as jazz was great. Awesome episode.

[@JPo.404]

🙌 Beautiful episode! Thanks Nine Club and Selema

[@rgbura]

holding back tears listening to the 900 story, so fckn powerful

[@TrizzyTrunk]

45 seconds in, and shed a tear. this is gonna be amazing. all the love for the VOICE OF GOLDEN ERA

[@derekbrotherton3462]

Had no idea about the a# connection, such a cool company. Selema is a legend.

[@nathanhand9394]

The educational value alone in this episode is through the roof. Thank you Selema.

[@AdamSlyter]

Man, I grew up watching Selema and was always stoked to hear him host - 100% has that energy you talk about, just a positive force in the world. Awesome to hear more of his story here, and really inspiring. Only bummed I hadn't heard it before after all these years. Thank you for having him on!

[@j144art]

I know this may not be seen because this an old episode but I had to go back and rewatch it again because Sal is the really the voice of how I started I skate and snowboard a lot because I am from Portland and so he covered all the events I saw as my dad would watch ESPN and got me onto the knowledge... And this is perfect because his broadcast and words helped my youth but now as being someone in it since I was 8 and now I am 35 this is amazing. I truly hope you all see this and cam pass it on to Selema. I appreciate the chat and knowledge so much and for me personally this was the perfect episode. PLease just keep being you it means so much to many.

[@NinoBone]

Need Selema on more often!

[@Hello1982]

i picked up this hat at the back of the Narnia ward robe. when i found i i thought what it said was cool so i will show you all later..bong

[@Hello1982]

NARNIA!!!!!

[@christianoulrich]

It’s crazy that this episode hasn’t broken 100k views yet. One of my favorite Nine Clubs to date!

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

Loved watching him announce X-games, and Tony Hawks gigantic skatepark tour ❤

[@ryanrowe1975]

Selema Maskeala is the goat! Thank you Nine club for having him on this episode!

[@shred6]

This is amazing. I had no idea his dad was Hugh! Ha Lese Le Di Khanna is one of my all time fave jazz tracks. so rad

[@apollo244]

what a joint😭

[@ryanholt9747]

Two episodes in a row with a mention of Alyasha Moore. Such an icon, I love all of his work. Also the shop that Atiba and Ako worked at was BC Surf & Sport in Colorado Springs

[@its_the_fudge]

Thanks again for a new episode and a great guest!! Love to hear how much he was in the industry before his announcing days!

[@tbrett5445]

Not many full 3 hour episodes of anything I’ve ever watched ….but this was rewarding !

[@SuperBrett17]

Selema….. what an incredible story. Thank you for talking to all of us through the tv and sharing the stoke. Hope to meet you on day dude.

[@yunglifty]

selema was a huge part of my childhood. when you saw him on TV you knew you were about to watch something wild no matter the discipline

[@tracianderson3378]

Skateboarding is Jazz, Grazing in the Grass, Surfer, Skateboarding, Announcer.....awesomeness! 🛹🤘💜 Another bitchin episode!

[@jamiewalsh3914]

Gainesville, FL, Calico Jacks, quarter beer night, Tony lands the 9 and the crowd goes crazy!! Our skate squad was running wild!!!

[@kevincollins8620]

So cool. I live in Gainesville now. I'm from Connecticut grew up snowboarding in the 90s I felt the same way when Danny Kass won gold in 2002. He was my instructor for a moment in the early 2000s before I moved to Florida. Met a dude named Tom Parsons after in Ocala. It's insane how many of these "extreme" athletes I have met in my short lifetime.

[@PhilLayshioh]

Anybody who skated during that time knows Alphanumeric was and will always be one of the best skate clothing brands of all time. Up there with Droors. They’re sorely missed today.

[@Nothing51337]

And kools

[@zacvotruba8374]

Alphanumeric was the shit. Elwood and Innes were tight too

[@appjuke]

Grew up watching this brother! Extreme sports always felt inclusive but anytime I saw a black person as an athlete or commentator, just got me extra excited. Didn't feel as common so the connection was special. Got a chance to meet Selema a few years back at my job in Austin. Recognized him after he left the shop so I hauled ass like a crazy person to catch him and shake his hand and tell him how much I appreciated him. Cool Ass Dude.

[@josiahamaze]

I saw Selema irl at the Alamod9me one year from like 500ft away I recognized him and felt so cool. I think he was the first celeb I ever saw. Never will forget that. He's a hero.

[@TommyToboggan611]

The 900 live was incredible, I will never forget watching in my room, I was 9 years old. changed my life forever.

[@TommyToboggan611]

God fuck instagram for real. Social ruined everything

[@rkulla]

Another legend!

[@BLVCKSEA]

I had no idea that he helped start Alphanumeric..or that he even worked in the skateboard industry besides announcing for the X Games...I just thought he was a TV personality. 😅 I have a new found respect for bro now.

[@wileyfilms]

Seriously this podcast brought back so many memories and helped me get through a long drive! Thank you Selema for everything and being such an amazing person!!!!

[@johnbultman7051]

Love this! Ishod or D. Jordan skating to a full "grazing in the grass" part would be amazing. street golf...haha hopefully we can usurp all the stigmas.

[@LScoginge]

ive never been more pumped for a nine club

[@Coffeeandbrats]

This was such a good podcast. As a bmx rider, I grew up with Selema much like the rest of us, and his voice and character is such a familiar thing, just felt good to see and hear from him. Glad he is still doing what he loves!!!

[@ianhauschild8938]

One of the most interesting videos ive ever seen on nine club. Sal dropping gems all day.

[@billionairio]

This is a great watch, incredibly uplifting, thank you Selema

[@FlatbottomBomber]

Alphanumeric was one of my favorite companies from back in the day, so dope. Adds closure to hear what actually took them under all these years later. Selema is an extreme sports legend. Great podcast.

[@johanswanepoelswanies7483]

Sal is a flippin legend and his dad is a household name here. Much love from Durban South Africa.

[@leastselfawarepotassium]

Man what a legend. Just seeing him brings back heaps of memories.

[@ddbeats632]

His old man played with Abduallah Imbrahim’s Dollar Brand…one of the coolest jazz groups from Johannesburg.

[@spencert4840]

I think his name is Hugh. I saw his record at the swap.

[@ddbeats632]

@@spencert4840 yep that’s him. Horn player

[@deHExi]

That 900, and that energy, is the REASON I started skating. That was my very first exposure to the lifestyle.

[@badeboom]

Very inspiring, this dude.

[@shane-allen]

Damn Salema is a real one, one of the best episodes yet for real

[@Shabusimmo]

The nine club still amazing me how every ep seems to just keep getting better. Belter of an ep as always!

[@looke34]

People like Selema make me excited to be 50

[@3eyes873]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for action sports In general❤ I’ll be tuning into the xgames again now that’s it’s grounded/rooted once again nothing but love Selema!!

[@Wavyyek]

Honestly have watched this episode at least 10xs !!!!!

[@Nikohhh04]

Selema is a great storyteller. Hearing his stories, I felt like I literally grew up with him even though I’m from the Bay Area lol. He needs to bring back the dreads so I can get that X Games nostalgia from when I was a young kid!

[@qaidj]

Selema dropping gems all over the place. Great episode.

[@rudyramirez125]

Incredible episode, man. I grew up watching him, for sure, and Selema is a staple of the skateboarding community. THE VOICE of skateboarding. Thank you for the episode!

[@TattoosbyBealer]

What a great episode. usually i have them playing in the background while i paint or draw for appointments... but i was fully into this and the Clyde episode recently and watched them through without any distraction. keep em comin boys!

[@koomaj]

This was a beautiful episode. Thank you, Selema.

[@adultcowboy]

One of the best episodes, love y’all

[@lvond555]

Surprised this episode doesn't have more views. Really influential voice in the game.

[@emt808]

The first time I heard Hugh Masekelas , Grazing In The Grass, was in a Spitfire video in the earl 90’s. Great song and and great memories.

[@VintageSk8]

I just turned 53 always have been a surfer had to stop due to health reasons so I started skating. I started a KZbin channel so that I can get some tips and I have to say the Skateboard community came out with open arms and started giving me tips and pumping me up, people from all around the world giving me props and urging me not to give up. This community is the best no one cared that I was 53 only that I was skating, and with all the tips I just landed my first moving ollie and a fakie ollie on accident! #SKATECOMMUNITY

[@MichaelSilverMedia]

I met Selema outside Angel Stadium years ago walking solo. Couldn’t have been a nicer dude. Mad respect.

[@DuncanLongden]

In all honesty I was so out of the culture for years that other than having a board I really wasn't watching the skateworld. I did not know who Selema is at all. One of the best things about The Nine Club is the education I am getting. I never watched X games, not even once. T.V was not something I really watched at all for years. It is great to be back and feel reconnected so fully, a lot for me to catch up on. Thank you.

[@Deejoohcee]

Yo Selema's story's crazy front to back. But I was most amazed by how this guy highlighted some of the darker parts of history and how it was to be pushed down by this .... Or how it still isn't solved up till today. Real talk. Real facts and mixed in with fun and exciting skateboarding stories. It made this episode straight up amazing. Thanks for everything Selema! And Big up the Nine club team to have him on the show. One love.

[@Nikpredmi]

this guy is a legend! always enjoyed him commentating the Xgames and helping put skateboarding on the map!

[@Havok0570]

1:43:54 Gave me goosebumps...incredible

[@SamBass]

Man… That was a great episode! Thank you for all you do, Nine Club!

[@chasesavvy918]

Fun fact for Odd Future fans, Riot was also sampled by Earl Sweatshirt in HIS song "Riot!"! Big love to Selema & his pops, Hugh! 2 certified legends in my book

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

Fished up the episode. Selema is my new favorite human.

[@vxyz5219]

Definitely one of my favorite episodes.

[@danieloneill5452]

Only 15 mins in and already an amazing episode, cant wait to listen to the remaining 2+ hours! Thank you once again Nine Club!!!!! 🤙🤙🤙

[@F.T.H.D]

Wether or not it was ability or want….this is the first episode in a while that didn’t take me a few days to finish. Some well needed ASMR OF VOICES, great stories. Much love.

[@solidbluebrian]

What a chill dude , great vibes on this one

[@indiiiGo1223]

Sal and Jeron were cooked and iii loved every minute Yooo 🙏👁🙏

[@Balonishell]

What an awesome dude. So glad his Dad was able to see and acknowledge his success.

[@drthkdus2504]

The interview added lots of context to plenty of events in skate culture.

[@patrickcrowley6465]

“It honers its past but is allergic to remaining rooted in it” beautiful

[@ugh001]

just got around to this BANGER of an episode listened all the way through. This guy has lived so many lives its all so sick. GREAT STUFF

[@palmtree8604]

What a journey Selema has been on. Outstanding episode! 🔥🔥🔥

[@santacruiser1]

That as extremely eloquent enlightenment by Selema near the end of the interview. Like about the ongoing struggle to shed stereotypes, especially the one about the common perception about certain demographic's relationship with water.

[@kurodamakoto2316]

this has been such a good episode. all of these rly keep me going through the work day and in my free time. thank you dudes so much. much love and respect

[@johnfodo4129]

Theres no discrimination in skate culture at all! And has been this way for the past 52 Years I've been pushing ❤❤❤❤

[@rental_body]

Nice to meet you Selema. Mad Respect

[@ilovesoccerandmetal]

This man was part of my childhood. Anything extreme sports related I expected to see him. Wouldnt be the same without him.

[@daveysquier]

i could listen to sal tell stories all day

[@mrmj2397]

I can honestly say, I learned SO MUCH on this interview. Did anyone else remember his name being written as "Sal" on xgames? May be a Mandella effect?

[@307beez]

When he started on tv They “suggested” he shorten his name so dumb people could pronounce it. His name has always been selema

[@kevincollins8620]

I've heard it said

[@stusux]

Great episode. Thank you guys. Selema has been involved in my life for generations unknowingly, I used to rock Alpha Numeric hard in the early days. Epic stories as usual.

[@armandsant1143]

so psyched an absolute legend

[@actuallyitsmick]

Absolute stunner of an episode 👏 Highly educational, introspective and entertaining! Thank you, Selema!

[@BugsySailor]

What an icon of my childhood. It's amazing to find out how much of the industry he was involved with. I had no idea he was involved with so much across the industry. So rad.

[@guitarg3250]

I was lucky enough to meet Selma during the x games street contest in Philly. I asked him about Tony Hawk's gigantic skate park tour and he offered me some donuts. Great guy !