Masekela, whose collaborations with Miriam Makeba and groundbreaking early albums helped bring traditional South African music to the mainstream jazz audience, will perform at 8 p.m. Friday at the Orpheum Theater.

Rebecca Edwards, founder and executive director of the Cultural Development Foundation, said the noon luncheon will include dignitaries from the City of Memphis, the National Civil Rights Museum and special guests.

“Masekela’s visit to the National Civil Rights Museum is of historic significance for Memphis, U.S. civil rights and the world,” Edwards said.

Born near Johannesburg in 1939, Masekela ingeniously fused post-bop with R&B, pop, and African rhythms to become one of Africa’s most beloved performers. As a teenager during his early days on the South African music scene, he played in the Father Huddleston Band with performers such Dollar Brand (now known as Abdullah Ibrahim), Jonas Gwanga and Kippie Moeketsi.

In 1961, Masekela went into exile and Harry Belafonte helped him settle in the United States. He landed in New York, where he recorded many records, including his 1968 number one hit “Grazing in the Grass.” The instrumental sold four million copies worldwide.

Over the course of his career, Masekela has released over 40 albums while recording for Chissa, MGM, Mercury, Universal, Motown, A&M, Warner Brothers, Jive Records and Sony Music. He conceived and composed the music for the Broadway smash musical “Sarafina” with actor/director/songwriter/playwright Mbongeni Ngema.

After performing with Paul Simon on the “Graceland” tour, Masekela returned home following the collapse of political parties and release of Nelson Mandela. His 1987 hit “Bring Him Back Home” became the anthem for Mandela’s world tour following his release from prison in 1990.

Masekela is the founder of Chissa Records, South Africa’s first and only black-owned record label. On his current tour, Masekela will be performing with selected Chissa artists, including classical Afro-pop diva Sibongile Khumalo, “Urban Zulu” singer Busi Mhlongo, kwaito performer Corlea, and Afro-jazz saxophonist Khaya Mahlangu.

Masekela had been scheduled to perform in Memphis in February but that concert was canceled because of bad weather. His spring concerts were cancelled as he battled prostate cancer.

“He has been recuperating the past few months in South Africa and is excited to be able to kick off his tour in Memphis,” said Edwards.

Opening for Masekela at the Orpheum will be Nuttin’ But Stringz, the brother duo whose unique violin style has been on display as they compete on “America’s Got Talent.”