South African Jazz Musician Hugh Masekela Is Dead

Father of South African Jazz, Trumpeter, composer and singer Hugh Masekela has died after a long battle with prostate cancer, domestic media reported on Tuesday. He was 78.

With over 50 years in the entertainment world, Masekela gained international recognition with his distinctive Afro-Jazz sound and hits such as “Soweto Blues”, which served as one of the sound-tracks to the anti-apartheid movement.

The statement released by his family earlier today states that the Legend died : “After a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer, he passed peacefully in Johannesburg, South Africa, surrounded by his family,”

Masekala began battling with prostate cancer since 2008.

Masekela was known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs such as “Soweto Blues” and “Bring Him Back Home”. He was the father of American television host Sal Masekela.