South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela has died at the age of 78.
Masekela lost his battle with prostate cancer, for which he had been treated since 2008.
Considered by many as the “Father of South African jazz”, Masekela was known for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs – which included “Soweto Blues” and “Bring Him Back Home”.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Masekela’s family said they were shattered by his death.
“A loving father, brother, grandfather and friend, our hearts beat with profound loss,” they said.
“Hugh’s global and activist contribution to and participation in the areas of music, theatre and the arts in general is contained in the minds and memory of millions across six continents. We are blessed and grateful to be part of a life and ever-expanding legacy of love. Rest in power, beloved. You are forever in our hearts.”
Elsewhere, users on social media have been active with reactions to news of the jazz legend’s death:
A baobab tree has fallen, the nation has lost a one of a kind musician with the passing of Jazz legend bra Hugh Masekela. We can safely say bra Hugh was one of the great architects of Afro-Jazz and he uplifted the soul of our nation through his timeless music. #RIPBraHughMasekela pic.twitter.com/JVy47GA6aU
— Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) January 23, 2018
Totally shattered to hear that Bra Hugh has passed. An absolute legend, mentor and the man who introduced my family to the music industry. Lala ngoxolo Bra #HughMasekela You will be sorely missed…
— Loyiso Bala (@loyisomusic) January 23, 2018
We would like to extend our condolences on the passing on of Jazz Legend #HughMasekela. Bra Hugh lost his battle to prostate cancer today. #RIPBraHugh [Photo: Afromuzik] pic.twitter.com/NmNsh38fqN
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) January 23, 2018
Hugh Masekela was born in 1939 in Witbank, South Africa.
In the late 1950s and 60s, Masekela grew his name as an international jazz musician with a number of appearances in London and New York.
After South Africa’s Sharpeville massacre in 1960, jazz was considered an expression of resistance, and performances and broadcasts in South Africa were severely restricted. Masekela took the opportunity, along with many other members of his group, to remain in England, effectively going into exile, and enrolling at the London Guildhall School of Music, and eventually moving to the Manhattan School of Music in New York.
With his 1967 pop-jazz hit “Up, Up and Away”, which was particularly popular in New York, Masakela gained global recognition.
He performed at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, alongside Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, before releasing “Grazing in the Grass” in 1968, which reached number one on the pop and R&B charts.
His breakthrough album “Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz” is still one of the most highly regarded Afro-jazz albums in the world.
Masekela received numerous awards throughout his life, among them the Order of Ikhamanga – South African National Orders Ceremony (2010); an honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of York (2014); a Doctor of Music (honoris causa) from Rhodes University (2015); and the African Music Legend Award – Ghana Music Awards (2007).
