South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela has died aged 78.
His family confirmed yesterday that he passed away peacefully in Johannesburg following "a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer".
Masekela, who played the trumpet, flugelhorn and cornet, as well as composing and singing, was known as the 'father of South African jazz' and released more than 40 albums across five decades, the most recent being 2016's 'No Borders'.
He was also well known and praised for his anti-apartheid activism and in 2010 received the National Order of Ikhamanga in Gold for his exceptional contribution to music and the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
Speaking about the musician's passing, South African President Jacob Zuma said:
“The nation mourns one its most recognizable signature talent in the person of Bra Hugh Masekela. It is an immeasurable loss to the music industry and to the country at large. His contribution to the struggle for liberation will never be forgotten. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and peers in the arts and culture fraternity at large. May his soul rest in peace.”
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