South African music legend Hugh Masekela has died, the country’s Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa has confirmed. The veteran trumpeter and ground breaking artist was 78. The star was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008.
Bra Hugh – as he was affectionately known by his adoring fans – was born in Witbank, Gauteng on 4 April 1939. He is survived by his two children Sal Masekela and Pula Twala.
“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”, Nathi stated.
The father of two married Elinam Cofie in 1999. The pair divorced in 2013.