Hugh Masekela’s legacy celebrated with Google Doodle
JOBURG – Google celebrates Hugh Masekela’s birthday with Doodle.
On Tuesday, 23 January 2018, the nation was hit with the sad news of the passing of legendary South African trumpeter, composer and singer, Hugh Masekela.
Bra Hugh, as he was affectionately known by his peers and the whole nation, died after a battle with prostate cancer.
Today, 4 April, would have been the legendary jazz musician’s 80th birthday and in honour of the late musician, Google unveiled a new addition to its Doodle series featuring Hugh Masekela.
“Today’s Doodle celebrates the world-renowned South African trumpeter, singer, bandleader, composer, and human rights advocate Hugh Masekela,” Google said in a blog post.
Widely known as the ‘father of South African jazz’, Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg, Herman Mashaba said that the story of South Africa could not be told without speaking of the enormous contributions his jazz compositions made to the liberation against apartheid.
“He was a personal favourite of mine and ignited my love for jazz music,” said Mashaba.
Well known for anti-apartheid songs such as Soweto Blues and Bring Him Back Home, Mashaba said his skill and mastery of instruments such as the trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, cornet and vocals will continue to give joy and upliftment to future generations.
“Happy 80th birthday, Hugh Masekela!” Google’s blog post concluded.
