A star-studded send-off for Bra Hugh Masekela

This past weekend saw a number of different events paying tribute to life and times of Hugh Masekela. Bra Hugh, as he was affectionately known, died on 23 January after a 10-year battle with prostate cancer.

Musicians and fans from all over the world paid tribute to the star all week long and it culminated in a number of memorial events over the weekend, City Buzz reports.

READ MORE: Music industry pays tribute to SA legendary trumpeter, Hugh Masekela

On Friday, 26 January, people gathered at the Hugh Masekela Heritage Park in Zoo Lake, Parkview where stars like Thandiswa Mazwai paid tribute to him. Others gathered at Sankopano community centre in Alexandra to pay their respects. The final public tribute to Masekela happened at a musical event at UJ, Soweto Campus, celebrating his life and featured a range of artists he collaborated with, influenced and loved. The star-studded event saw performances from the likes of Oliver Mthukudzi, Tsepo Tshola, Lira, Thandiswa Mazwai, Ringo Madlingozi, Letta Mbulu, Dorothy Masuka amongst many others.

The family released a statement thanking people for all their messages of condolences.

“It is with profound gratitude that the family of Hugh Masekela and the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation acknowledge the outpouring of condolences and tributes paid to the late artist and activist from members of the public and the media – your loving words, the sweetness of your messages, the heartfelt posts on social media, commemorative front-page stories and countless radio and TV tributes, are all received with the utmost appreciation.”

Here are some of the captured moments from the memorial events over the weekend:

Prolific artist Lebani Sirenje painting an impressive live portrait of Bra Hugh Masekela at the #HughMasekelaMemorial pic.twitter.com/sVzkAuSvFH

— Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) January 28, 2018

@Miss_LIRA performing Miriam Makeba's "Soweto Blues" which was written by Bra Hugh Masekela. #HughMasekelaMemorial pic.twitter.com/1CcERgAlIO

— Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) January 28, 2018

Bra Hugh's son laughs with enjoyment as a poem for the music veteran is shared #HughMasekelaMemorial pic.twitter.com/PNXOwhaNdm

— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) January 28, 2018

Say I'm lying when I say Mme Abigail Kubeka has a style for days 🙌🙌🙌❤❤❤❤ #HughMasekelaMemorial pic.twitter.com/33GZsUcDAv

— Sontshikazi (@mpumelelo484) January 28, 2018

Felicia Mabuza-Suttle and Abigail Kubeka comfort each other at #HughMasekelamemorial pic.twitter.com/FjAWaIKxws

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— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) January 28, 2018

A fine rendition of Holukile by Tshepo Tsola. #HughMasekelamemorial pic.twitter.com/50s90AGxQp

— KhayelihleKhumalo-James Jnr (@KhayaJames) January 28, 2018

Sipho Hotstix Mabuse just arrived at University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus for the Hugh Masekela memorial service @DrumMagazine #HughMasekelaMemorial pic.twitter.com/K2Bzy27thJ

— Tshego ❤️ (@Tshego_Nuna) January 28, 2018

The #HughMasekelaMemorial was a great celebration of his life. We are honoured to have joined the dignified celebration of his life. pic.twitter.com/I3vEJfiU9i

— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) January 28, 2018

Dorothy Masuku sings Hugh Masekela's 'Khawuleza' and everybody joins in the dancing #HughMasekelamemorial pic.twitter.com/VDfv8ZxxVZ

— Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) January 28, 2018

A visibly touched Thandiswa Mazwai performs Mamani. #HughMasekelamemorial #RIPHughMasekela pic.twitter.com/A4UMWClkch

— KhayelihleKhumalo-James Jnr (@KhayaJames) January 28, 2018

Musician Ringo Madlingozi performs Ashiko. One of BraHugh's hits. #RIPHughMasekela #HughMasekelamemorial pic.twitter.com/aMKlBMluy7

— KhayelihleKhumalo-James Jnr (@KhayaJames) January 28, 2018

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/music-industry-pays-tribute-to-sa-legendary-trumpeter-hugh-masekela/

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