Father of Jazz dies
On Tuesday, January 23 the last notes of this trumpeter, composer and singer filled the air. Bra Hugh lost the fight against prostate cancer.
Hugh Masekela died earlier this week.
On Tuesday, January 23 the last notes of this trumpeter, composer and singer filled the air. Bra Hugh lost the fight against prostate cancer.
“A loving father, brother, grandfather and friend, our hearts beat 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 and vanguard creativity that spans the time and space of six decades. Rest in power beloved, you are forever in our hearts,” his family wrote in a statement.
This giant in the world of music was born in KwaGuqa in 1939. He began singing and playing the piano as a child. After seeing the film ‘Young Man with a Horn’ when he was 14, he began playing the trumpet. His first trumpet was given to him by Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, an anti-apartheid chaplain at St Peter’s Secondary School. Soon after that the Huddleston Jazz Band was formed.
His subsequent solo career has spanned five decades, during which time he has released over 40 albums and has been featured on countless more.
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“We have lost a music legend that was celebrated in many countries abroad, in Africa and here at home. Bra Hugh as he was affectionately known inspired us all through his music. His music carried both political and social messages,” said the Executive Mayor of Emalahleni Cllr Lindiwe Ntshalintshali.
“Like many freedom fighters of his age, he was forced into exile but his music, although it was banned, continued to inspire many activists in South Africa and elsewhere in the continent. His music reverberated far and wide,” she said.
Hugh Masekela.
Cllr Ntshalintshali praised Bra Hugh for his ability of easily switching from protests music to social uplifting Afro-Jazz music post apartheid .
“His afro jazz music was a great tonic to uplift the soul of the nation. His music carried a lot of messages but he made us dance and to celebrate our freedom,” she said.
Cllr Ntshalintshali said in one of Hugh’s songs titled “Stimela”, he sings about the hardship and exploitation, during the height of apartheid, experienced by many local young men who were crammed into trains travelling to and from mines in Witbank to KwaGuqa, an underdeveloped township where blacks were confined away from the city.
Mpumalanga Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC, Norah Mahlangu has joined the rest of the world in mourning the passing of Bra Hugh.
In a statement the MEC said Bra Hugh was a musician, father and social and cultural activist who used his craft to fight apartheid in the country. He will be remembered for his great music and honoured for fighting social injustices.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Masekela family and all those who are affected by the loss, which is the world over. I assure each one of you that the people of Mpumalanga feel your pain and loss. Bra Hugh was one of the greatest sons of the Mpumalanga soil. I want to thank God for allowing us an opportunity to enjoy his musical gift. It was a gift he used to fight apartheid and also entertain us,” said MEC Mahlangu.
“At this difficult time, let us ease the pain of losing him by celebrating his life through his music. This will ensure that his legacy is preserved for many generations to come,” concluded the MEC Mahlangu.
