As 23 January marks one year since the passing of South African music legend and icon Hugh Masekela, the Hugh Masekela Foundation said they were committed to lifting his legacy even higher.
Remarkably his friend, jazz musician Oliver Mtuduzi has passed away on the same day, as many have shared their condolences on social media.
23 January, saddest day ever.
RIP Hugh Masekela
RIP Oliver Mtukudzi #Legends pic.twitter.com/lXHC5xuTDF— Mhlanga (@KudzayiDaniel) January 23, 2019
Rest In Peace – the legend and music icon – Oliver Mtukudzi, you played your role to the fullest and you will always be remembered Mr Guitarman pic.twitter.com/ebuYdKN74O
— Mzilikazi wa Afrika (@IamMzilikazi) January 23, 2019
The foundation, located in Greenside, described Masekela as a man who loved the sound of laughter and remained a world-renowned artist, cultural warrior and beloved son of the African continent.
Masekela spent much of his life showcasing the heritage of Africa and promoting performing arts and their African origin. His impact reaches far and wide both in South Africa and abroad through recordings of his live performances, collaborations and his autobiography Still Grazing.
As the Hugh Masekela Foundation observes their first anniversary without him, they commit themselves to lifting his legacy even higher, ensuring that his commitment was not in vain.
“Hugh Ramapolo Masekela will always be with us, forever reminding us that there are no borders in creative endeavours when they are rooted in real human experience,” said the foundation in a statement.
Masekela once said, “I’ve got to where I am in life not because of something I brought to the world, but through something I found – the wealth of African culture.”
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Joburg remembers Hugh Masekela in dance and song
