The day the music died

Hugh Masekela, who rose to fame for his impeccable talent with the trumpet, is also known as a fierce anti-apartheid activist, a battle he fought with the barrel of his trumpet. Namibian music composer Axali Doeseb said he gained much respect for the late Masekela who was, over the years, dubbed the father of South African Jazz, for fighting the evil of apartheid with his music. Doeseb, who composed the national anthem, said he would fondly remember the late Masekela for his humility.According to Doeseb, Masekela always made an effort to familiarise himself with the local dialects of the country he was performing in.“He was a man of strong lyrics, but his humility always reflected through his music. I met him at one of his shows in Germany; it was in the middle of a show that I introduced myself to him and he made me play a bit with his guitar,” related Doeseb. Masekela, who died at the age of 78 on Monday, was married to South African songbird Miriam Makeba. Masekela was known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs such as Soweto Blues and Bring Him Back in honour of Nelson Mandela. He also had a number one United States pop hit in 1968 with his version of Grazing in the Grass, and is today known as one of the most talented trumpeters on the continent.Masekela, who came to Namibia a number of times, had his biggest hit with Stimela, which talks about contract labourers heading to the gold mines in Johannesburg during the apartheid era. Stimela is in fact a recital of a riveting poem of the “TjooTjoo Train” carrying labourers to the coal train in Johannesburg, leaving behind their land taken away from them with the barrel of the gun and loved ones they may never see again. Bra Hugh's memories will live on in the hearts of his fans. June Shimuoshili

The day the music died

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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The day the music died

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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