Legend Hugh Masekela has died.
The legend that is Bra Hugh Masekela has died.
Masekela’s family have released a statement confirming his passing: “After a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer, he passed peacefully in Johannesburg, South Africa surrounded by his family.”
He was 78 years of age.
Hugh Maskela had been battling prostate cancer since 2008 and being the tough guy he was, he resisted for a good 10 years.
In March 2016 Bra Hugh, as he was affectionately known, underwent eye surgery after the cancer had spread and again in September 2016 he returned to surgery as another tumour was discovered.
Born in the KwaGuqa township in Witbank Masekela left South Africa and became an exile, settling first in London and thereafter in the USA.
In his brilliant biography Still Grazing: The Musical Journey of Hugh Masekela he told a no-holds barred story which documented his ongoing drug abuse – cocaine and alcohol – and the many amazing adventures his musicianship gave him.
Hugh Masekela will be sorely missed and was one of the greatest musicians South Africa has ever produced.
May he rest in peace. One thing is for sure, he had a full and eventful life.
