A family statement confirmed that the South African Jazz pro had his breathe on earth and had been promoted to glory at the age of 78 years old.
Ramapolo Hugh Masekela died peacefully at a Johannesburg health facility surrounded by his family who watched him helplessly as he lost his battle with prostrate cancer.
Below are 10 facts which you might not have known about the late Masekela.
- The person described as brother,father and grandfather was born in 1939 on 4th April. He was 78 years at the time of his death
- Since his birth, he is well known as a trumpeter, song writer and composer, he is equally the founding father of Jazz Music in South Africa
- He is also the man behind top SA’s Anti-Apartheid songs such as ‘Bring Him Back Home’ and ‘Soweto Blues’. He also founded Sal Masekela, a top American Television
- Since he began his music career at the age of just 14 years, the late Masekela had brushed shoulders with other SA’s top musicians such as Miriam Makeba and Mighty King Kong where they even managed to work together.
- After attending a music school in Manhattan USA, he moved on with another top SA’s music singer Miriam Makeba whom they later divoced after barely 2 years
- He even though went on to marry another second wife.
- He had a record selling of his music in western world especially USA where he sold more than 4 million copies of his songs
- He was also involved in 2010 world cup shows where he was featured in the ESPN media with his son.
- He is also the brainchild behind Sarafina song which is a major element in the Sarafina movie shot in SA
- He also worked with another top brass band , Kalahari, this was majorly during the production of Sarafina movie
RIP Masekele
#RIPHughMasekela – Take a moment to remember the talent that was #BraHugh. Courtesy #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/6MK1ZbYEMv
— eNCA (@eNCA) January 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/RalfGUM/status/955712010683117568
Messages of condolences pored in from across the world
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
— #UKHONA OUT NOW (@dineoranaka) January 23, 2018
Father of South African Jazz, Mr Hugh Ramopolo Masekela has passed away. The musician had been battling prostate cancer since 2008.
May his soul Rest In Peace.
Mr Masekela was an Ubuntu Awards winner in 2015's "Ubuntu Arts & Culture Award (Veteran)" category. #RIPHughMasekela pic.twitter.com/xXZnYkQ8Hu
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) January 23, 2018
