Selema Masekela, also known as Sal Masekela, is an American television host, sports commentator, musician, actor, and entrepreneur. He is widely known in Kenya and internationally as the former boyfriend of Oscar-winning Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o. He is also the son of legendary South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela.
Who is Selema Masekela?
Selema Mabena Masekela was born on August 28, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, United States. His father was Hugh Masekela, one of South Africa’s most celebrated jazz musicians and an important figure in the country’s anti-apartheid cultural movement. His mother is Haitian.
Masekela built his own career in entertainment and sports rather than simply relying on his famous father’s name. He became particularly well known as a sports television presenter and commentator, covering major sporting events, including the X Games and the Olympic Games. He has also worked as an actor, musician, producer, and filmmaker.
His career
Masekela’s career has covered several areas of the entertainment industry.
He became prominent through sports broadcasting and television, including work with ESPN’s X Games coverage and Olympic reporting. He later hosted and executive-produced sports programming, including VICE World of Sports.
Beyond television, he has pursued music. He is associated with the band Alekesam, whose name is derived from his own name, and has also been involved in film and television production.
He has additionally worked in the surfing and lifestyle space and has been involved with the African-inspired surf brand Mami Wata.
Selema Masekela and Lupita Nyong’o
Masekela became a major subject of interest among Kenyan fans after his relationship with Lupita Nyong’o became public.
Interestingly, their story appears to have started years before they officially confirmed their romance. In April 2016, Masekela revealed on social media that he was sitting behind Lupita on a flight and asked his followers for advice on how to approach her.
The pair eventually became romantically involved, although they kept much of their relationship private.
In December 2022, Lupita and Masekela publicly confirmed their relationship through matching social-media posts. Lupita shared a video of the two dancing and changing outfits in sync, captioning it, “We just click!” Masekela similarly referred to her as his love.
Why did Lupita Nyong’o and Selema Masekela break up?
The relationship ended in October 2023.
Lupita announced the breakup in an emotional statement in which she said she needed to publicly distance herself from someone she could no longer trust. She described the heartbreak as resulting from “deception,” but she did not publicly provide detailed allegations or explain exactly what had happened.
It is therefore important not to present unverified claims about the specific reason for their breakup as fact.
Selema Masekela speaks about Lupita in 2026.
In August 2026, Masekela spoke publicly about the relationship during an appearance on the ONE54 Africa Podcast, marking one of his more significant public comments about his relationship with Lupita.
According to reports, he said that the experience had influenced his decision not to pursue another public relationship, saying he did not think he wanted to be in a public relationship again.
Reports from the interview also say that Masekela confirmed the relationship lasted approximately three years, although the couple only made it public in late 2022.
Selema Masekela’s family
His father, Hugh Masekela, was a globally recognized South African trumpeter, composer, and singer. Hugh Masekela died in 2018 after a battle with prostate cancer.
Selema has spoken about his complicated relationship with his father, including periods of estrangement before they reconciled. Recent interviews in 2026 have brought renewed attention to their family story.
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