Jazz icon, Hugh Masekela dies at 78
Veteran jazz musician, Hugh Masekela has died at the age of 78.
Masekela had been battling prostate cancer since being diagnosed in 2008.
In October last year, the 78-year-old underwent emergency treatment after doctors discovered another tumour - cancelling a performance at the Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival in Rockville, Gauteng.
A statement, released by his family read - "It is with profound sorrow that the family of Ramapolo Hugh Masekela announce his passing...A loving father, brother, grandfather and friend, our hearts beat with profound loss."
"We are blessed and grateful to be part of a life and ever-expanding legacy of love, sharing and vanguard creativity that spans the time and space of six decades."
Read: South Africa mourns the loss of music legend Hugh Masekela
Masekela was born in Witbank, on the 4th of April 1939, and rose to fame in the 50s. He is a trumpeter, composer, vocalist and an author.
The Grammy Award winner fondly known as 'Bra Hugh' holds three honorary PhDs. Masekela was recently conferred with an honorary doctorate in Music at the Wits University.
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
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) 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
#RIPHughMasekela #HughMasekela
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) January 23, 2018
Rest in Power Bra Hugh! ✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/vXRqrzDWWG