Hugh Masekela – 04 Apr 1939 – 23 Jan 2018 (age 78)
Trumpeter
Hugh Ramopolo Masekela was a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer and singer. He is considered the “father of South African jazz.” Masekela was known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs such as “Soweto Blues” and “Bring Him Back Home”. He also had a number 1 US pop hit in 1968 with his version of “Grazing in the Grass” – Wikipedia
Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) sends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Hugh “Bra Hugh” Masekela who was other wise known as “The father of SA jazz” by his followers and music lovers. We are saddened.
We have been aware of Masekela’s battle with cancer and we are convinced that he fought a good fight. We are sending our deepest condolences to Bra Hugh’s lovely family, his big base fans and the entire humanity across the world. His passing shocked us as the PAC.
Today marks the tragic chapter of our lives, we are witnessing sorrow, a sad day which compels us to live without Bra Hugh but only listen to his rich music. We do not only regard Bra Hugh as an artist but more importantly as a freedom fighter.
Bra Hugh fought tirelessly for his country to be granted a political emancipation, he awaken the world and gave consciousness to the atrocities that the country was undergoing at the time, and for that we thank him.
We are also thanking the entire family of Masekela for having borrowed us our “Son of the Soil” Bra Hugh to not only entertain but to inform the globe about many issues which are currently headaches to many people.
Bra Hugh is a courageous and fearless figure that we ever had in this country, he did not quit fighting for his people after the realisation of political freedom which we obtained in 1994. Through his music he was vocal about issues of HIV/AIDS, Alcoholism, Gender-Based-Violence, poverty, inequality and many other atrocities that we are subjected to everyday.
Rest In Peace Bra Hugh. Your music will guide us in every decision we make as a country drowning in conundrums.
Enquiries
Kenneth Mokgatlhe
PAC National Spokesperson’
061 8173 781
k.mokgatlhe@pac.org.za
