Cape Town - World-renowned South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela has died at the age of 78.
The veteran musician was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008. And went on to cancel all scheduled performances in October, as his health was deteriorating.
Following the news of his death, messages of condolences flooded social media. Masekela's son, Sal, said on Facebook: "It is difficult to comprehend."
HERE ARE 6 MUST-READ STORIES:
1. A Legend: Tribute to Hugh Masekela
Hugh Ramopolo Masekela was born on 4 April 1939 in the town of Witbank, South Africa. The world renowned trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer and singer is known for his jazz compositions, as well as for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs such as Soweto Blues and Bring Him Back Home.
2. Remembering Hugh Masekela: 7 of his greatest hits
The legendary musician started to hone his, now signature, sound in the late 1950s during a period of intense creative collaboration, most notably performing in the 1959 musical King Kong, written by Todd Matshikiza.
3. Hugh Masekela's life remembered in photos
A look at the life of of legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela in photos.
4. WATCH: Hugh Masekela remembers getting a trumpet from Louis Armstrong
In a short film by Adrian Steirn for the Icons 21 series Masekela talks about receiving a trumpet for Louis Armstrong in 1956, speaking to imaginary friends in Zulu in Central Park and tells the inside story of how he got his nickname Slow Poison.
5. Sal Masekela on his father's death: It is difficult to comprehend
In a heartfelt and lengthy statement posted on his Instagram account, the son of Hugh Masekela, Sal Masekela shared his pain following the death of his father.
6. Chicco Twala on Bra Hugh Masekela: He's left a legacy in the industry
News of the death of legendary jazz musician Bra Hugh Masekela has left many of those closest to him grieving. DRUM reached out to South African musicians Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Chicco Twala, both old friends of Bra Hugh's, about his passing.
(Photos: Gallo)