South African Musician Hugh Masakela Passes Away at Age 78

Hugh Masekela was a musician nicknamed the father of "South African jazz." He was known for the breadth of his musical talent- he was a flugelhornist (the flugelhorn is an instrument similar to a trumpet, but wider), trumpeter, bandleader, composer, and singer. But aside from his musical abilities, Masekela was also loved for his activism, especially in vocally advocating for equal rights during Apartheid (1). As a quick reminder of Namibian socio-political history, Namibia was- at the time- essentially a colony of South Africa and, by extension, under Apartheid rule.

Masekela left South Africa in 1960, and he studied music in the United States (1). During his career, he performed with many renowned American musicians such as guitarist Jimi Hendrix. But what has characterized his music over the decades has been his incorporation of African influences and inspirations rather than American influences (1).

He returned to South Africa in 1990 when Nelson Mandela was released from prison, and had been holding concerts throughout the African continent (including Namibia!). The depth and reach of his music has inspired generations of musicians, including up and coming artists such as the Namibian jazz musician Suzy Eises, and his death has been extensively covered in the Namibian press.

Below, I have included a few videos of Hugh Masekela in a press coverage, and one of his songs.

Hugh Masekela on One Africa Television. While the video is titled, "Namibia is like home away from home" Masekela tells a reporter that African countries, more generally, all feel like homes away from home.

Perhaps Hugh Masekela's most popular song, "Stimela."

1. http://hughmasekela.co.za/biography/
2. https://www.namibian.com.na/63606/read/Namibia-joins-the-world-in-mourning-Hugh-Masekela
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGeQ9thoQsI
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4Bb7p9gggc&list=PLzlacxg0nSoI2Wn7E_0zZFXqWBVDEMuq4