Legendary South African Singer, Hugh Masekela Is Dead

 

Legendary jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela, a leading figure in the struggle to end apartheid and "the father of South African jazz", has died aged 78.

 

In a statement, his family said he had "passed peacefully" in Johannesburg "after a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer".

 

Masekela gained global recognition with his distinctive Afro-Jazz sound and hits such as Soweto Blues.

 

The 1977 song became synonymous with the anti-apartheid movement.

 

In a statement, South African President Jacob Zuma said Masekela's death was "an immeasurable loss to the music industry and to the country at large".

 

Zuma continued: "His contribution to the struggle for liberation will never be forgotten."