Hugh Masekela remembered as a great South African

Has the sad news reached you about the passing of Hugh Masekela? We in Asia read about this news in the early morning on Wednesday. The gentle and brilliant artist, fondly remembered by the world as an activist for the oppressed and the father of South African Jazz, is sadly, no more with us. @OneAzania extends this heartfelt message of condolence to all who read this and who were touched by his beautiful music and personality.

I am convinced my children and their children too, will grow to appreciate the full weight of the legacy of Masekela and will proudly celebrate his music. He lived the life of a conscientious person, leaving behind a legacy of global artisitic and social significance. He was blessed by the Almighty with the skills to live a life sharing beautiful music with the world, but also with the integrity and character to be an activist for change. He never stopped his activism for change and for doing so, he became persona non grata in South Africa under Apartheid. He lived for nearly 20 years, away from the country of his birth.

In a statement, his family said he had "passed peacefully" in Johannesburg "after a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer"
The BBC

Photo credit: Huffpost South Africa 23 Jan 2018

For more @OneAzania recommends

• On Hugh Masekela's life, an article by Huffpost South Africa Entertainment Reporter Duenna Mambana (23 Jan 2018)

• For a background interview with Hugh Masekela's long-time photographer, Brett Rubin, read Huffpost South Africa's News Reporter, Garreth Van Niekerk's article (23 Jan 2018)