Thabo Rametsi Cast as Music Legend Hugh Masekela in Upcoming Film ‘The Road Home’

South African actor, writer, director, and producer Thabo Rametsi has been unveiled in his role as activist and music legend Hugh Masekela in the upcoming film ‘The Road Home’, directed by Bill Condon. The film’s production is currently underway in South Africa.

A first look image released by the film’s key backers and producers Canal+, Studiocanal, and Flora Film, along with South African co-producer Blue Ice, showcases Rametsi as Masekela, who spent 30 years in exile in the UK and the U.S. after fleeing his native South Africa following the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre. In the image, Masekela is seen playing his trumpet.

The Story Behind ‘The Road Home’

The film tells the story of Masekela as he finds himself at a crossroads when the Anti-Apartheid Movement, led by anti-apartheid advocate and mentor Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, launches a boycott against his friend Paul Simon over his township music-inspired album ‘Graceland’, accusing Simon of violating the United Nations’ Cultural Boycott.

Masekela, who saw music as a powerful weapon in the anti-apartheid struggle, would split with Huddleston to join forces with fellow exile and lifelong collaborator, powerhouse vocalist Miriam ‘Mama Africa’ Makeba, to create the Graceland band, a super group designed to bring South Africa’s voice to the world.

As previously announced, Rametsi is joined in the cast by Guy Pearce as Huddleston, Johnny Flynn as Simon, and Cynthia Erivo as Makeba.

When asked about the film, Rametsi stated, ‘When you tell the story of Giants you must shout it from the highest mountain. These are our giants and this film is the highest mountain we could find. We hope our humble tribute honours them accordingly.’

Condon directs from an original script written by Michael Bronner, from a story by Bronner and Zakes Mda. The Canal+ and Studiocanal-backed feature is produced by Academy Award-Nominated producer Laura Bickford, Bronner, Greg Yolen, and Anant Singh, in association with Blue Ice’s producers Tebogo Maila and Adam Friedlander, and with executive producers Fiona Druckenmiller and Rametsi.

The film is a tribute to the giants of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, and it is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and fight for justice.

Key Cast and Crew

Cast: Thabo Rametsi as Hugh Masekela, Guy Pearce as Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, Johnny Flynn as Paul Simon, and Cynthia Erivo as Miriam Makeba.

Crew: Bill Condon (director), Michael Bronner (original script), Laura Bickford (producer), Greg Yolen (producer), and Anant Singh (producer).