In Memoriam: Tonight, the continent goes to sleep with a tear in the right eye. HUGH MASEKELA. The foremost architect of afro-jazz passed on earlier today. He lent his incredible talent to the redemption of an entire nation. Together with Miriam Makeba (Mama Africa), he was the voice of hope during the apartheid era. And that came with a hefty pricetag on it – doing time in exile. He recorded more than 40 solo albums and collaborated with artists ranging from Harry Belafonte to Paul Simon. His craft and energy where unrivalled. I watched him live in concert, and even the cancer that was ravishing his body did not deter him from giving his utmost, like only a Performer-Par-Excellence would. He goes with a reward: From Idi Amin to Robert Mugabe, Hugh Masekela, before breathing his last, stood to see the downfall of every single one of the dictators he sang against in his song “Change.” You did Africa proud. Thank you for the music, Bra Hugh.
July 12, 2018 at 6:09 pm
Great artist of our time! Fare thee well Bra Masekela!
July 12, 2018 at 6:12 pm
Spent many hours listening to Grazing in the Grass back in the day when I could sit out in the sun all summer long. His music through the years is iconic. He’ll be sorely missed.
July 12, 2018 at 6:16 pm
Cherie, “Grazin’ in the grass” was no doubt his signature tune. His artistry, storytelling and activism is on display galore in “Stimela.” https://youtu.be/n4Bb7p9gggc
July 12, 2018 at 6:16 pm
Sad. Rip
July 12, 2018 at 6:17 pm
Nothing but celebration for a life well lived. Rest well.
July 12, 2018 at 6:18 pm
We need more of such!
July 12, 2018 at 6:19 pm
Yes we give thanks and praise to the mighty name of the most high.
July 12, 2018 at 6:19 pm
RIP Hugh Masekela
July 12, 2018 at 6:20 pm
He was a rare gem in the era genre of Gil Scott Her on, Stevie Wonder, these men spoke of the wrongs in their era perhaps the Lord would see fit to raise up another. In His Grip
Larry
July 12, 2018 at 6:21 pm
A true African hero! You brought hope and dignity to the World. Fare thee well Bra Hugh! MHSRIP…
July 12, 2018 at 6:26 pm
He was my favorite of afro jazz, his trumpet was everything, any sound thats wind, he would get it to you. how he would do his thing a trumpet like a sax in all sales and ranges.
July 12, 2018 at 6:26 pm
with less on stage yet more mega the sounds, quality excellence and energy. on stage you would need to be convinced that he was old.
July 12, 2018 at 6:27 pm
So true. Absolutely!
July 12, 2018 at 6:29 pm
he was african in Heart, description of the African Woman, ohh yah the Soweto Train and creative poetry.
July 12, 2018 at 6:29 pm
Well a Musician is never missed, i will live to still enjoy his label.. RIP
July 12, 2018 at 6:30 pm
Thank God for such unique talent.