Commentator, Journalist & Emmy-Nominated Producer
Commentator, Journalist & Emmy-Nominated Producer
Selema “Sal” Masekela is a beloved commentator, journalist, host, and Emmy nominated producer best known for his work across NBC, VICE, E!, ESPN/ABC, Nat Geo, Red Bull Media House and beyond. Outside of his front-of-camera work, Sal thrives as a film/tv producer and musician, recording under the alias 'Alekesam' (Masekela backwards). The son of South African jazz legend and activist Hugh Masekela, Selema‘s roots are as South African as they are New York City as they are San Diego.
Outside of music, water is the most influential part of his life - at the age of 16 and he first felt 'at home' on a surfboard. Its meaning is very textured - one which led him to often being in places where he was ‘The Only'. Whether that was an 8 year old sitting at Birdland in late night jazz sessions with his father and Miles Davis, becoming the face of ESPN's X Games and bringing action sports to popular culture or creating films and television that strike a chord with our human dilemma; who are we, what drives us and gives us joy. It's this mission that has Selema telling stories of others like him - highlighting people, places through lenses that break molds and redefine culture. He is the co-founder of Stoked Mentoring, an organization dedicated to mentoring at risk youth through action sports and the new face and voice of Lululemon's men's campaign.
His podcast, What Shapes Us?, explores he and his guests human experiences; who they are, what drives and gives them joy. It's this mission to highlight people and places through a mold breaking lens and redefine culture.