From the beaches of Southern California to the snowy peaks of Aspen, Selema Masekela has built a life that is hard to categorize. He’s been an X-Games host, a storyteller, a musician, a surfer, a snowboarder, and a cultural interpreter. Masekela is someone whose curiosity about people and passion for movement have taken him just about everywhere.
Now, he’s the new host of The Team Ignition Show podcast.
The podcast is a video-first series that digs into what drives extraordinary individuals to go beyond their limits. Selema’s energy is laid-back, but also sharp. He doesn’t just talk about chasing adrenaline. He’s lived it. His career has spanned sports commentary, activism, and storytelling across nearly every medium.
Let’s take a closer look at how this multi-talented icon (who you may know from his earlier X-Games days as “Sal”) got here, and why he’s the perfect fit to carry on The Team Ignition Show.
Background: An Upbringing with Global Influences
Selema Masekela was born on August 28, 1971, in Los Angeles, California. His mother was an immigrant from Haiti, and his father was the late South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela.
Growing up, Selema moved between cultures, from the laid-back surf paradise of Southern California to the politically charged music world that surrounded his father. That mix helped make his identity early on. He learned to surf and skate with friends at the beach, but at home, he was hearing stories of apartheid, exile, and freedom through his father’s songs.
Selema’s love for board sports began in his teens with surfing. But while many surfers stay in the water, Selema was also fascinated by the stories behind the people: the athletes, artists, and risk-takers who were shaping the subculture. That curiosity would later become a big part of his career.
Career: The Voice of Action Sports
In 1992, Selema worked the front desk at Transworld Publications, home of Transworld Skateboarding and Transworld Snowboarding. He answered phones, did light office work, and learned the ropes. It was also his entry into a world he already loved. From there, his storytelling instincts and charisma quickly set him apart.
By the late 1990s, Selema was appearing on television as a host for the Daily Habit on Fuel TV, covering the rapidly growing action-sports scene. He was easy to listen to and definitely loved the games he covered. Before long, ESPN came calling.
Selema went on to host the X Games for more than 13 years, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in extreme sports. He covered everything from skateboarding and snowboarding to motocross and surfing, and did it with authenticity, thanks to his actual love of participating in some of these sports.
But he wasn’t just the guy with a mic on the sidelines. Selema also brought cultural perspective to his work as a broadcaster. He wasn’t just a stats guy, like so many sports figures were. He also highlighted the creativity, diversity, and emotion behind the athletes’ stories. In truth, he was redefining how some of the newer action sports were presented.
Outside the X Games, Selema became a fixture across major networks. He hosted NBC’s Red Bull Signature Series, was a correspondent for ESPN during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and even co-hosted E!’s Daily 10, blending pop culture with his trademark wit.
In 2016, Selema helped launch VICE World of Sports, a documentary series that explored how sport connects to identity, politics, and community across the globe. The show took him from the favelas of Brazil to the mountains of Nepal, where he explored everything from underground football leagues to the role of snowboarding in rebuilding post-war cultures. The series had depth and heart, and showcased Selema as more than a presenter. He was able to unearth the message buried beneath the noise.
Masekela as an Advocate and Activist: Making Way for Youth
Selema has always seen sports as more than entertainment. They truly offer a way for people to find belonging and self-expression.
In 2005, he co-founded STOKED, a mentorship nonprofit that uses skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding to empower underserved youth. The program helps kids build confidence, discipline, and community through board sports, which are the same outlets that shaped Selema’s own life.
Through STOKED, thousands of young people have found opportunities that extend far beyond the skatepark or surf break. Selema is still a big part of the organization, dropping in to check on the kids and maybe take a few runs with them.
He serves on the board of Burton Snowboards, and has also spoken at universities, conferences, and film festivals around the world.
Music: A New Direction with Old Gifts
If action sports are Selema’s heartbeat, music is his DNA. His father, Hugh Masekela, was a big part of the legacy of jazz. Selema inherited his dad’s ear, and has taken time to create his own kind of music.
He performs under the name Alekesam. It’s a play on his last name, but reversed. Selema has released multiple albums that blend soul, hip-hop, and world influences.
Alekesam’s debut album, The Sound of Alekesam, was released along with a short documentary film of the same name. It deals with the challenges of the relationship between father and son, as well as the common ground they share.
The Next Chapter of The Team Ignition Show
Now, Selema steps into the role of The Team Ignition Show host for its sophomore season.
Selema is perfectly suited to bring you the latest stories of adventure, mindset, and the pursuit of greatness, blending his storytelling instinct, charisma, and deep passion for extreme sports. With a background in action sports, he connects effortlessly with larger-than-life characters, while his journalistic experience ensures he uncovers what lies beneath the surface.
Expect thoughtful interviews, thrilling action moments, humor, and the insight you get from someone who understands what it means to push the limits of body and mind.
Fun Facts: What You Might Not Know About Selema Masekela
- He’s a dual citizen of the United States and South Africa.
- Selema voiced a sports announcer in the animated mockumentary Surf’s Up.
- His voice has been featured in multiple video games, including SSX 3 and SSX Tricky.
- He’s performed live at the Bonnaroo music festival.
Keep Up with Selema Masekela
Whether he’s dropping beats, carving turns, or dropping into deep conversations, Selema Masekela continues to show he knows what it means to live the Ignition lifestyle. Follow Selema’s journey on The Team Ignition Show, where he’ll introduce you to a new generation of thrill-seekers and dream-chasers.
