HUGH MASEKELA DIES

MBABANE – He blew the trumpet for over three decades and everyone would cheer, but that trumpet will be heard no more.

South Africa’s legendary jazz musician famously known as ‘Bra’ Hugh Masekela has died at the age of 78 years.
His core instrument as a jazz artist was the trumpet, and he won numerous awards for his songs which include ‘Umama Uyajabula’ and ‘Stimela’. According to South Africa’s ENCA news and TimesLive, the artist died yesterday morning after a long battle with prostate cancer.

The news of his death was confirmed by family members in the early hours of yesterday morning. Most of his fans locally were shocked about the sudden death of the legend.
Part of the statement sent through by his family read, “After a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer, he passed away peacefully in Johannesburg, South Africa surrounded by his family.”
The musician’s management team had released a  statement in October last year stating the star’s battle with cancer  since 2008.

The statement explained that the jazz veteran underwent eye surgery in March 2016 after the cancer spread, and had to go into theatre again in September 2017 as another tumour was discovered.
Most of his fans were aware that he was not well and were hoping that he would recover. Others who were close to him made it clear that he always told them that he would make it through.

Among those who mourned the legend’s passing was Welile Dlamini, former Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Services News Editor. Dlamini said he had been friends with Hugh since 1973 after their meeting in Ghana.
“Since then we have been good friends who always kept in touch and I must say I am devastated by the news that he had since passed away. The whole world has lost talent. He was one of the artists who believed in himself and loved his people.”

He said while in Ghana, Hugh would hire a kombi and take them to where Miriam Makeba lived. This is where they would enjoy his live trumpet playing while Makeba sang along.
“The last time I saw him, was two years ago which is 2015, where we shared our memories and it was an awesome moment. I will really miss him,” he said.

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