Hugh Masekela
President Akufo-Addo has joined the world to mourn with the family of Hugh Masakela, the legendary South African jazz who died in Johannesburg on Tuesday at age 78.
The 1968 Grammy award winner’s family, in a statement, said he “passed away peacefully” in Johannesburg “after a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer”.
President Akufo-Addo, in a series of Tweets, eulogised Hugh Masekela, saying he will remember him for his exceptional friendship.
“Freedom fighter, great artist, great musician, wonderful trumpeter, great friend, many thanks for the extraordinary music, marvelous memories, and exceptional friendship,” he said.
The president added that Hugh Masekela “will be sorely missed by all of us in Accra.”
“Rebecca, Bumpty, Irene, Sarbah, my good self and all your other friends. Rest in perfect peace Hugh Masakela. God bless,” President Akufo-Addo concluded.
High Masekela gained global recognition with his distinctive Afro-jazz sound and hits such as ‘Grazing In The Grass’ and ‘Soweto Blues’.
Born in the South African town of Witbank in 1939, Masekela was inspired to learn the trumpet after seeing Kirk Douglas play Bix Beiderbecke in the 1950 film ‘Young Man With A Horn’.