Selema Masekela is a beloved commentator, journalist, host, and Emmy nominated producer

Known for his work across NBC, VICE, E!, ESPN, Nat Geo & beyond. Selema is also a  musician, recording under the alias 'Alekesam' (Masekela backwards). Selema thrives as a Black man who has historically been ‘the only’ in the spaces of action sports & entertainment. The son of South African jazz legend & activist Hugh Masekela, his roots are as South African as they are New York City & San Diego.  

Music & water are two of the most influential parts of Selema’s life. At 16,  he first felt at home on a surfboard. At 8, he sat in on late night jazz sessions with his father & Miles Davis. It’s these unique life experiences that pushes Selema to share stories of others like him - highlighting people & places through lenses that break molds & redefine culture. 

His podcast, What Shapes Us, allows his relentless curiosity as a narrator of the human experience a space to have conversational exchanges with a wide landscape of dynamic individuals. Selema is the co-founder of Stoked Mentoring, an organization dedicated to mentoring at risk youth through action sports. He is an ambassador for Dockers, works as a consultant & talent for Red Bull and sits on the Board of Directors for BURTON. As a co-founder of South African surf brand Mami Wata, he led the charge for the apparel’s launch in the US in late 2021. He also released AFRO SURF last year to critical acclaim, the first book to capture and celebrate the surfing culture of Africa.