Hundreds of South Africans gathered in Soweto on Sunday to honour “The Father of South African Jazz” Hugh Masekela who died last week after losing a long battle with prostate cancer.
Family, friends and fans trooped to the public memorial service which was serenaded with musical tributes by top stars including Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle and Abigail Kubeka.
READ ALSO: Remembering three-time Grammy nominee Hugh Masekela and the life he lived
Tributes were also paid by artists who painted portraits of the music icon as some family members and government officials gave speeches in honour of Bra Hugh, as he is affectionately called.
Among the speakers at the memorial service are his sister Barbara and Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa who revealed that Masekela will be laid to rest next to South African liberation heroes at the Westpark Cemetery.
Below are some pictures and videos of the event.
Prolific artist Lebani Sirenje painting an impressive live portrait of Bra Hugh Masekela at the #HughMasekelaMemorial pic.twitter.com/sVzkAuSvFH
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) January 28, 2018
Letta Mbulu performs with Caiphus Simenya at #BraHughMasekelaMemorial #BraHugh @ReporterStar pic.twitter.com/RtDI5jtSwv
— Nokuthula Zwane (@Zwane_2Li2Ls) January 28, 2018
A special performance by Dorthy Masuka and Caiphus Simenya as they tribute #BraHugh at #BraHughMasekelaMemorial @ReporterStar @IOL pic.twitter.com/5aBGQGJiRR
— Nokuthula Zwane (@Zwane_2Li2Ls) January 28, 2018
Burn Out by @siphohotstix, well atmosphere is electrifying & it’s indeed a celebration of well lived life. #HughMasekelamemorial pic.twitter.com/zOYkNYVO2d
— KhayelihleKhumalo (@KhayaJames) January 28, 2018
#HughMasekelaMemorial and there was Hoystix pic.twitter.com/mHG69EBzMr
— dorah sitole (@dorahlydia) January 28, 2018
There is a memorial site at Zoolake where you can go leave flowers and write a fairwell note to our favourite Uncle. Go out and show some love. #RipBraHugh #hambakahle pic.twitter.com/XSmFWJa5zH
— KingOnTheMic (@thandiswamazwai) January 27, 2018
We’re now celebrating the life of Afro-jazz Pioneer, Bra Hugh Masekela at the University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus. #HughMasekelaMemorial pic.twitter.com/203BqxjHtP
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) January 28, 2018
Watch: Living legend Ringo Madlingozi performing one of Bra Hugh Masekela’s personal favourite songs “Ashiko” #HughMasekelaMemorial pic.twitter.com/3jpFv7Zgfd
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) January 28, 2018
@Miss_LIRA performing Miriam Makeba’s “Soweto Blues” which was written by Bra Hugh Masekela. #HughMasekelaMemorial pic.twitter.com/1CcERgAlIO
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) January 28, 2018
“I’ve never met someoone as generous and humerous as Bra Hugh. He took as to places we never imagined we’d go to all over the world.” Fana Zulu, Bass Guitarist #HughMasekelaMemorial pic.twitter.com/9eKWyIualY
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) January 28, 2018
