Mpumalanga legislature pays tribute to Bra Hugh

The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education; Culture, Sport and Recreation pays its last homage to South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela. He died on Tuesday at the age of 78 after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Committee chairperson for the Mpumalanga legislature Mr VV Windvoël said Bro Hugh is described as the father of South African jazz and is known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs such as “Soweto Blues”, “Stimela”, “Khawuleza” and Bring Him Back Home.

This legend was someone who ran a foundation that seeked to restore the culture and identity of Africans. Furthermore he reclaimed the South African diaspora all over the world,” said Windvoël.

Also read: Tributes pour in for legendary Bra Hugh Masekela

He was born on April 4, 1939 at KwaGuqa Township, Witbank, to Mr Thomas Selena Masekela, who was a health inspector and sculptor.

His mother Pauline Bowers Masekela, was a social worker.

Hugh began singing and playing piano at an early age and was largely raised by his grandmother, who ran an illegal bar for miners.

The trumpeter was one of three musicians featured in the 21 Icons South Africa project, and left the country shortly after the Sharpeville massacre in 1960 to study music in the UK and Manhattan School of Music in New York.

“In this sorrowful time, the Portfolio Committee on Education; Culture, Sport and Recreation would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the Masekela family and the nation as a whole. May the Lord comfort the Masekela family.”

“A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds. Through us, they live on,” concluded Windvoël.

Fans are also invited to visit an exhibition in his honour at the Hugh Masekela Heritage Park from today until February 1.