Hugh Masekela — The Times
Hugh Masekela
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The “Father of South African Jazz” and Africa’s musical luminary left a big hole in Africa’s heart after his passing on January 23, 2018, in Johannesburg at the age of 78 following a long battle with prostate cancer. Despite the disease being discovered in 2008, the world-renowned flugelhornist, trumpeter, bandleader, composer, singer and political activist continued to perform until his death.
He portrayed his struggles and feelings towards the apartheid regime in his music and will tour his country and London before joining Dollar Brand, Kippie Moeketsi, Makhaya Ntshoko, Johnny Gertze to form the Jazz Epistles in 1959. They became the first African jazz group to record an LP.
Masekela released over 40 albums in his five decades solo career and has recorded with artists such as Harry Belafonte, Dizzy Gillespie, The Byrds, Fela Kuti, Marvin Gaye, Herb Alpert, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and the late Miriam Makeba. The Bring Him Back Home musician opened the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Concert and the event’s Opening Ceremony in Soweto’s Soccer City.
Besides the many awards Masekela has won, he has been nominated three times for a Grammy Award including a nomination for Best World Music Album for his 2012 album Jabulani, Best Musical Cast Show Album for Sarafina! The Music Of Liberation (1989) and Best Contemporary Pop Performance for “Grazin’ in the Grass” (1968).
