Today in History: Hugh Masekela dies
Masekela had also produced music for the musicals like Sarafina, and was featured in the 2003 documentary film Amandla.
Celebrated musician, singer, composer and trumpet player Hugh Ramopolo Masekela was born on 4 April 1939 in Witbank, near Johannesburg.
Masekela showed musical ability from a young age, and began to play piano as a child and was inspired by the movie Young Man with a Horn.
In his early days as a teenager on the South African music scene, Masekela played with artists such as Dollar Brand (Abdullah Ibrahim), Jonas Gwangwa and Kippie Moeketsi.
Masekela also collaborated with famous icons like Miriam Makeba, Zimbabwean Dorothy Masuka, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Hedzoleh Soundz, Francis Fuster and Dudu Pukwana.
He also formed an integral part of the orchestra for the South African Broadway-style musical King Kong, which was written by Todd Matshikiza.
Masekela had also produced music for the musicals like Sarafina, and was featured in the 2003 documentary film Amandla.
Masekela continued to produce music and tour extensively throughout the world, which recently included a 2007 tour to the USA and Canada to promote the live recording, “Hugh Masekela: Live at the Market Theatre”.
A Grammy award winner for “Best Contemporary Pop Performance-Instrumental” as far back as 1968.
The jazz legend is still honoured today as one of South Africa’s most prominent and talented musicians
He passed away on 23 January 2018 after a battle with prostate cancer.
Information sourced from: South African History Online.
