23 January 2018, brought with it an immeasurable loss in music history. The father of South African Jazz, Hugh Masekela has passed away.
Bra Hugh will be remembered for a number of things from his receiving a trumpet from Louis Armstrong at 16, his career in theUSl to being a fierce advocate for justice during the Apartheid era.
Most South Africans have a piece of Hugh in their hearts in the form of a childhood memory of one of his songs. The iconic trumpeter gave his all in with every note and that is what earned him legend status.
Masekela was not without his controversy – he may even be remembered for being famous for his criticism of wigs and weaves but the thing that he will be remembered for the most, is the music. Music has always been a part of him. He was once quoted saying, “I have lived for music since I could think.”
We had a listen to some of Bra Hugh’s most well-known songs and made a list to share. So grab a drink, pull up a chair and let’s pay homage to a great man.
