Tributes pour in for Bra Hugh Masekela
Updated | By Tamlyn Canham
South Africans are mourning the death of jazz legend Hugh Masekela.
"A baobab tree has fallen"
Those are the words Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa used to described the passing of award-winning musician, Hugh Masekela.
Read: South Africa mourns the loss of music legend Hugh Masekela
The minister confirmed the 78-year-old's death in an emotional tweet on Tuesday.
A baobab tree has fallen, the nation has lost a one of a kind musician with the passing of Jazz legend bra Hugh Masekela. We can safely say bra Hugh was one of the great architects of Afro-Jazz and he uplifted the soul of our nation through his timeless music. #RIPBraHughMasekela pic.twitter.com/JVy47GA6aU
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) January 23, 2018
The singer's family also released an official statement announcing his passing.
"After a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer, he passed peacefully in Johannesburg, South Africa, surrounded by his family," the statement read.
No more pain! 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/aSOfJH0HLh
— Hugh Masekela (@hughmasekela) January 23, 2018
Bra Hugh, as he was fondly called, has been receiving treatment for the cancer since 2008. Doctors informed him in 2016 that the cancer had spread.
He cancelled all his commitments in October last year, saying he would need all his energy to continue his fight.
"In April 2017, while in Morocco I fell and sprained my shoulder. I began to feel an imbalance when I was walking and my left eye was troubling me. Another tumour was discovered and subsequently, in September 2017, I had emergency treatment, and the tumour was neutralised," Bra Hugh said in a statement at the time.
Celebrities have joined scores of South Africans in paying tribute to the legend on social media.
Such devastating news about the passing on of SA's Father of Jazz Hugh Masekela. Condolences to the Masekela family. Lala ngoxolo Bra Hugh. What a life. What a legend.
— Khanyi Dhlomo (@KhanyiDhlomo) January 23, 2018
RIP Bra Hugh 😔❤️ pic.twitter.com/wL8Y0fsUV3
— AYANDA THABETHE (@ayandathabethe_) January 23, 2018
Sad news indeed. Damn. Rest In Peace Bra Hugh. 💔💔💔
— Bonang B* Matheba (@bonang_m) January 23, 2018
Heartbroken.💔
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) January 23, 2018
The man, the myth, the legend. Rest In Peace, we will forever be thankful for the person that you were and indebted to the magic you created with your music. #RIPBraHugh 🎺
No words #BraHugh
— Danny K (@dannykmusic) January 23, 2018
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