It is reported that Masekela died at a Johannesburg hospital surrounded by his family on Tuesday morning.
The Masekela family described Bra Hugh as a loving brother, father, grandfather and friend. ” Our hearts beats with 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 memory of millions across six continents and we are blessed and grateful to be part of a life and ever expanding legacy of love, sharing, vanguard, craetivity that spans the time and space of six decades. Rest in power beloved, you are forever in our hearts,” reads the statement.
The family will in due course release details of the memorial and burial services.
Some personalities sent their condolences on social media:
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
https://twitter.com/RalfGUM/status/955712010683117568
RIP Bra Hugh. pic.twitter.com/UWYQdqzTuB
— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) January 23, 2018
It is so sad to hear this. #BraHugh is incredible Son of the soil who had incredible heart. One can’t think of SA without him, from liberation to freedom, his music transitioned us all. A true giant, whose tree shall be the shade of many generations. Robala ka kgotso Bra Hugh. https://t.co/nLUEwTvRqf
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) January 23, 2018
