Hugh Masekela's train comes to a halt

Legendary South African trumpeter and composer Hugh Masekela has died, his family has confirmed. A statement released yesterday said the jazz legend died peacefully surrounded by family. Masekela lost his battle with prostate cancer, for which he had been treated since 2008. In a career spanning more than five decades, Masekela, often called 'Bra Hugh' gained international recognition with his distinctive Afro-Jazz sound and hits such as 'Soweto Blues', which served as one of the soundtracks to the anti-apartheid movement. Masekela learned to play the trumpet at age 14 and gained fame for his bright, lively playing. He went into exile after the 1960 Sharpeville killings in which 69 protesters were shot dead.A statement from his family said Masekela “passed peacefully” in Johannesburg, where he lived and worked for much of his life. “A loving father, brother, grandfather and friend, our hearts beat with a profound loss. 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 memories of millions across six continents,” the statement read.The arts and culture minister, Nathi Mthethwa, described Masekela as one of the great architects of Afro-Jazz. “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,” he said. South African president Jacob Zuma said the nation would mourn a man who kept the torch of freedom alive. “It is an immeasurable loss to the music industry and to the country at large. His contribution to the struggle for liberation will never be forgotten,” Zuma said in a statement.Local artist Big Ben said Masekela's impact was that his music meant something and this, he said, “is a trait I want to copy and still emulate”. He continued saying that he knew Bra Hugh long before he met him and added that he was not just an icon of music but was also an activist, a “politician of sorts” and said he will leave a major gap in the industry. Staff Reporter

Hugh Masekela's train comes to a halt

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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Hugh Masekela's train comes to a halt

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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