South Africans remember Bra Hugh one year after his death
"The stage remains empty without you, but the musical wealth you left behind keep us reminded of the great you are."
Today marks one year since music icon Hugh 'Bra Hugh' Masekela lost his battle with cancer. He was 78.
The Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation released a statement saying he is "sorely missed", but his legacy lives on through his music.
"Bra Hugh’s lifelong preoccupation with showcasing the Heritage of the continent has earned him a remarkable Legacy as an innovator and a champion for the recognition and promotion of the performing arts and their African provenance. His impact reaches far and wide, at home and abroad, and it lives on in the recordings of his live performances, his collaborations with a dizzying variety of artists and his autobiography Still Grazing," the foundation said in the statement.
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A heartfelt message from the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation and family, as we remember Bra Hugh one year on...#StillGrazing #OneYearAnniversary pic.twitter.com/JvkODoRlW9
— Creatives Ambassador (@davidmuriithi) January 23, 2019
Scores of South Africans have taken to social media to remember the award-winning musician.
Some have declared January 23 'International Hugh Masekela Day'.
"What a superb being. What a life. What a celebration of Africa’s greatness... We will forever have the late-great Bra Hugh in our hearts through his music," one Twitter user wrote.
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Here's what others had to say:
What a superb being. What a life. What a celebration of Africa’s greatness... We will forever have the late-great Bra Hugh in our hearts ♥️ through his music. #InternationalBraHughMasekelaDay pic.twitter.com/rI7hxgs8Ql
— Tebogo™ (@T_Mothiba) January 23, 2019
Ntate Bra Hugh Masekela. It's been a year. #RIPHughMasekela pic.twitter.com/oQJ4BFtwwY
— Lionel Reachie (@NthAsia) January 23, 2019
Today last year, Bra #HughMasekela 's sun set. His trumpet went quiet and his voice became silent. What a life well lived! This morning, I listened to a few jams & I realized, Bra Hugh isn't dead, he may no longer be with us physically, but he lives on through his music. #RIP
— Sarah-Leigh Elago (@GeniusLeigh) January 23, 2019
Long Live Bra Hugh❤ pic.twitter.com/3h4RxDYL2H
— Tshediso SkinDeep (@SkindeepSA) January 23, 2019
With you, it was never a slight encounter but a thorough one. Although influential, you were always open to be influenced - especially by the younger generation. Thanks for wisdom and encouragement to do and be better. Rest In Peace, Bra Hugh Masekela 1939-2018 #RIP #HughMasekela pic.twitter.com/TvjtCDMT5A
— THATO MMEREKI (@thatommereki) January 23, 2019
Today last year, Bra #HughMasekela 's sun set. His trumpet went quiet and his voice became silent. What a life well lived! This morning, I listened to a few jams & I realized, Bra Hugh isn't dead, he may no longer be with us physically, but he lives on through his music. #RIP
— Sarah-Leigh Elago (@GeniusLeigh) January 23, 2019
My heart still bleeds for Bra Hugh 😢 #HughMasekela
— YouOnlyLiveOnce (@Philakayone) January 23, 2019