Father Of South African Jazz Hugh Masekela Has Died
The legendary trumpeter and activist was 78.
Written By D.L. Chandler
Hugh Masekela, who has been respectfully acknowledged as the "father of South African Jazz," has died. The family announced the trumpeter's passing after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Masekela's foray into music began when he was a teenager in South Africa, and his music reflected his strong anti-apartheid views. After becoming a member of Africa's first jazz group, The Jazz Epistles, Masekela eventually fled the country as tensions grew after a terrible massacre of Black South Africans and an increasing presence of apartheid.
While living in the United States, Masekela aligned with Harry Belafonte and found success in states in the 1960s and 1970s. Although he wasn't a huge chart success, Masekela was an especially prolific artist and performer who worked with other jazz ensembles. In all, he recorded well over 40 studio albums and collaborated with a wide range of artists including singer-songwriter Paul Simon among others.
Masekela, like his African jazz counterpart the late Fela Kuti, would have his music sampled by Hip-Hop artists and producers over the years. Talib Kweli, The Roots, Madlib, and Nice and Smooth all borrowed from his vast catalog at one time. And one of his hits, "Bring Him Back Home," became an anthem to free the late anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela in 1987.
Masekela was 78.
Take a listen to one of Masekela's biggest hits, "Grazing In The Grass" from 1968, below. Underneath and on the following pages, we've amassed a few condolences for the jazz legend.
No more pain! 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/aSOfJH0HLh
— Hugh Masekela (@hughmasekela) January 23, 2018
The World has today lost a Legend. Hugh Masekela, gave us many songs, a reason to dance to Jazz, & combined that with a trumpet, not only to connect us to entertainment, but also to give South Africa, a liberating & powerful voice against Apartheid. We celebrate him @SAPresident pic.twitter.com/wtH70O9PEA
— President of Kenya (@PresidentKE) January 23, 2018
1954 Hugh Masekela recieves a trumpet as a gift from Louis Amstrong. What moves me about this picture is the passion and love he had for the Trumpet , the excitement on his face is contagious 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/DB2EkRJr9w
— Siya Beyile (@SiyaBeyile) January 23, 2018
Photo: WENN.com
Jazz	, obit	, obits	, South Africa
1 2 3 4 5 6Next page »
More By D.L. Chandler
Mother Of Nipsey Hussle's Daughter Warns Of Fake GoFundMe Page
Tay-K Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Robbery, Facing Capital Murder Charges