World-renowned music legend Hugh Masekela died this morning at the age of 78. The talented trumpeter and composer courageously lost his fight against prostate cancer. His family released a statement sharing the heartbreaking news:
Family Statement – #HughMasekela pic.twitter.com/hzeIBGJ2GN
— Dreamcatcher SA (@DreamMMSA) January 23, 2018
SEE ALSO: Hugh Masekela receives an outpouring of support
Messages of condolences are pouring out on social media from family, fans and friends.
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
You were pearls of wisdom and pockets of laughter! Thank you Bra Hugh ♥️♥️??? Heaven has gained a musical angel ? #RIPHughMasekela I’d headwrap for you ANYDAY! pic.twitter.com/tXwuzSZXz0
— Dineo Ranaka (@dineoranaka) January 23, 2018
We celebrate your life Bra Hugh.
We celebrate your achievements.
We celebrate the music you made with us, for us and about us. South Africa will forever love you! #RIPHughMasekela #RIPBraHugh pic.twitter.com/5vHfhWlX84— Sade Giliberti (@OneSadie) January 23, 2018
Jazz is nourishment for the soul. #RIPhughmasekela pic.twitter.com/8d9zCaK4jN
— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) January 23, 2018
READ ALSO: 5 minutes with Hugh Masekela
Really saddened by the passing of the legend. My sincere condolences. May your soul rest in peace. #RIPhughmasekela pic.twitter.com/BehzD9urb3
— Lebo_sekgobela (@SekgobelaLebo) January 23, 2018
A Legend has fallen but his legacy will live on!!! #RIPHughMasekela ? ??
— Minnie Dlamini (@MinnieDlamini) January 23, 2018
SEE ALSO: Thandiswa Mazwai talks music
Today, we mourn the loss of a legend. Not only one here at home, but throughout the world.
Robala ka kagiso. #RIPHughMasekela pic.twitter.com/Ms1P9ZHkCL— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) January 23, 2018
There are very few exiles I find convincing of their continued fight in the liberation struggle outside of the borders. Bra Hugh’s body of works speaks volumes of his work outside SA. He was a true activist and ambassador of his country and continent. RIP King. pic.twitter.com/iFPFYSMSQA
— Vezuchiy Fanashnikov (@fanamokoena) January 23, 2018
We love you Bra Hugh ??? pic.twitter.com/EabsFjKv2L
— Mmabatho Montsho (@MmabathoMontsho) January 23, 2018
“The world changes
Revolutionaries die
And the children forget
The Ghetto is our first love
And our dreams are
Drenched in gold
We don’t even cry
We don’t even cry about it
Know it no more
Are the beautiful ones really dead” – @thandiswamazwai ? #RestInPeaceBraHugh— Renate Stuurman (@RenateStuurman) January 23, 2018
✊??RIP Ntate Hugh Masekela ?✊?#LastPerformance pic.twitter.com/nGLygwrBqs
— Warren (@warrenmasemola) January 23, 2018