Home » Johnny Clegg Remembers Hugh Masekela: From 1 SA Music Icon to Another

Johnny Clegg Remembers Hugh Masekela: From 1 SA Music Icon to Another

Johnny Clegg, who is currently in remission from pancreatic cancer, has shared a fitting tribute on social media to Hugh Masekela – who sadly died today from prostate cancer. The two South African musical giants have so much in common. Both apartheid-fighting musicians who helped change their nation. Both icons whose music is enjoyed internationally. […]

By SAPeople
23-01-18 19:42
in Eish!

Johnny Clegg, who is currently in remission from pancreatic cancer, has shared a fitting tribute on social media to Hugh Masekela – who sadly died today from prostate cancer. The two South African musical giants have so much in common. Both apartheid-fighting musicians who helped change their nation. Both icons whose music is enjoyed internationally.

https://twitter.com/_kierandodds/status/955743741729525761

Johnny Clegg’s tribute to Hugh Masekela:

It’s with great sadness I have learned of the passing of Hugh Masekela. He was a phenomenal South African ambassador for six decades on the world stage, both as a musician and a political activist.

He was immensely bright and articulate and could speak on any number of subjects including culture, music, politics and art.

Most importantly he was a road-opener for local musicians seeking to find their way to an international career. This was due to the fact he had developed his own unique trumpet playing style that drew heavily on South African jazz culture.

His biggest hit, “Grazing in the Grass” – which went to number 1 for two months on the USA Music charts in 1968 – is a typical example of his Africanist musical inflections, bringing a new tone and exciting style to the Trumpet he played all his life. This unique style found its way into the musical lexicon both in the States and Europe, and entertained millions of people globally from all cultures and language groups.

Hugh was also fiercely independent in his political views. On a BBC program he called for reparations from the West for the devastation caused by the colonialism all around the world.

He also was critical of aspects of the black empowerment policy of the ANC-led government which he argued was creating a new black elite divorced from the majority of the working masses and unemployed .

He will be remembered as an outstanding musical pioneer and a robust debater, always holding to his South African roots and promoting a better life for all South Africans, both in the world of music and in the wider political and social arena.

A giant has fallen, and although we should mourn the passing of this unique talent, we should also celebrate his legacy and life, his vibrancy and his quick-witted sense of humour.

Hamba Kahle bra’ Hugh! May you blow that horn and make the heavens groove!

https://twitter.com/PresidentKE/status/955757745986326535