Remembering Hugh Masekala

Not often is a musician the embodiment of an entire musical genre let alone a social movement.

In the case of South African Jazz giant Hugh Masekela who sadly left us today, the argument can be made that his powerful horn playing and songwriting accomplished just that.

Masekela flourished in the early South African Jazz scene as a trumpet player but truly came into his own a decade later while adopting the flugelhorn and releasing seminal albums based on his socio-political views in the fight against the oppressive system of apartheid.

He went from Afrobeat, to funk and free Jazz with ease and the conviction in his playing and lyrics conveyed an authenticity that could be felt through the vinyl grooves.

He has left a large legacy of work and a undeniable musical influence throughout the African continent and beyond! May his legacy live on through music and may he rest in peace.