How Kenyans Eulogized SA’s Fallen Jazz Music Idol Masekela

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.

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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
6. He even though went on to marry another second wife.
7. He had a record selling of his music in western world especially USA where he sold more than 4 million copies of his songs
8. He was also involved in 2010 world cup shows where he was featured in the ESPN media with his son.
9. He is also the brainchild behind Sarafina song which is a major element in the Sarafina movie shot in SA
10. He also worked with another top brass band , Kalahari, this was majorly during the production of Sarafina movie

RIP Masekele

Kenyans led by President Uhuru Kenyatta (Who ended his SA’s visit few days ago) send their heartfelt condolences from all corners in Kenya.

Have a look below

https://twitter.com/UKenyatta/status/955803837729779712

https://twitter.com/PresidentKE/status/955757745986326535

https://twitter.com/UKenyatta/status/955803124626853889

#RIP Bra Hugh Masekela. We have had the privilege of opening for you twice and watch you thrice. When an old man dies a library burns. Thank you for constantly reminding us of our heritage and inspiring us to be better Africans. Your legacy will forever live within our hearts.😭 pic.twitter.com/MpWEby7IaP

— SAUTI SOL (@sautisol) January 23, 2018