SA mourns the loss of jazz legend Hugh Masekela

World-renowned music legend Hugh Masekela died this morning at the age of 78. The talented trumpeter and composer courageously lost his fight against prostate cancer. His family released a statement sharing the heartbreaking news:

Family Statement – #HughMasekela pic.twitter.com/hzeIBGJ2GN

— Dreamcatcher SA (@DreamMMSA) January 23, 2018

SEE ALSO: Hugh Masekela receives an outpouring of support

Messages of condolences are pouring out on social media from family, fans and friends.

A baobab tree has fallen, the nation has lost a one of a kind musician with the passing of Jazz legend bra Hugh Masekela. We can safely say bra Hugh was one of the great architects of Afro-Jazz and he uplifted the soul of our nation through his timeless music. #RIPBraHughMasekela pic.twitter.com/JVy47GA6aU

— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) January 23, 2018

R.I.P Hugh Masekela, Legendary Musician. You fought a good fight with Cancer since 2008. You put SA in the globe in 1967 performing in New York. Condolences to the Family. Kufa nomdlavuza uyinuku #cancer #tshutshutrain #mytwin #born0404 #sad ?

A post shared by TMZF Founder & Patron (@firstladytzuma) on Jan 23, 2018 at 12:12am PST

You were pearls of wisdom and pockets of laughter! Thank you Bra Hugh ♥️♥️??? Heaven has gained a musical angel ? #RIPHughMasekela I’d headwrap for you ANYDAY! pic.twitter.com/tXwuzSZXz0

— Dineo Ranaka (@dineoranaka) January 23, 2018

‪What do you say when He has given us so much to remember Him by. So sad. Love and Peace to your family and adoring fans. ? #RIPHughMasekela‬

A post shared by Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp (@elanaafrika) on Jan 23, 2018 at 12:05am PST

We celebrate your life Bra Hugh.
We celebrate your achievements.
We celebrate the music you made with us, for us and about us. South Africa will forever love you! #RIPHughMasekela #RIPBraHugh pic.twitter.com/5vHfhWlX84

— Sade Giliberti (@OneSadie) January 23, 2018

Trust Bra Hugh to quietly slip away on my birthday. We were meant to do a whole album together. For years we tried to get it together but it never worked out because he was traveling a lot. I remember he arranged Tai Chi classes for me and paid for them because he wanted me to de clutter my mind and spirit before we started working. When I had my car accident many years ago he was one of the first visitors to come see me after hospital. Bra Hugh lived. He lived his life to the fullest. So I’m not too sad, and I’m happy he is no longer suffering. And I will remember him always, especially on this day, the day of my birth and the day of his passing. He is leaving us a legacy so vast, a music book so big. You have done well with your life Bra Hugh. Your name will never be forgotten. Fly free son of the Soil. Fly free ?

A post shared by Simphiwe Dana ??? (@simphiwedana) on Jan 23, 2018 at 12:17am PST

Jazz is nourishment for the soul. #RIPhughmasekela pic.twitter.com/8d9zCaK4jN

— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) January 23, 2018

READ ALSO: 5 minutes with Hugh Masekela

Our own trumpet ? man is no more. The legend has fallen. Bra Hugh come from a coterie of dedicated pioneers of protest theatre – using Jazz to convey the plight of our people and appalling conditions in the country during the ruthless apartheid regime. Alongside Mama Meriam Makeba and many of our fallen legends of yester years – Bra Hugh made an indelible contribution towards the National Liberation Project deserving of our Honor. #RIPBRAHUGH

A post shared by Pule Mabe (@mabepule) on Jan 23, 2018 at 12:00am PST

You blew that horn and the message travelled the world. You made the world shake and dance to your tune. Your music crossed borders and you will be misssed. Lala ngokuthula dear friend and colleague. #ripbrahugh

A post shared by Native Rhythms (@nativerhythmssa) on Jan 22, 2018 at 11:52pm PST

Really saddened by the passing of the legend. My sincere condolences. May your soul rest in peace. #RIPhughmasekela pic.twitter.com/BehzD9urb3

— Lebo_sekgobela (@SekgobelaLebo) January 23, 2018

A Legend has fallen but his legacy will live on!!! #RIPHughMasekela ? ??

— Minnie Dlamini (@MinnieDlamini) January 23, 2018

SEE ALSO: Thandiswa Mazwai talks music

“Hush”

A post shared by Gunzah Blaze (@thandiswamazwai) on Jan 23, 2018 at 1:03am PST

South Africa has lost one of it’s greatest yet again! May your soul rest in peace. You were an inspiration to the @heidelbergjazzfest team as we had hoped to one day bring you to Heidelberg. Your spirit will forever live on!! Lala ngoxolo Mr Masekela #RipBraHugh #RIPHUGHMASEKELA

A post shared by HeidelbergJazz (@heidelbergjazzfest) on Jan 22, 2018 at 11:56pm PST

Today, we mourn the loss of a legend. Not only one here at home, but throughout the world.
Robala ka kagiso. #RIPHughMasekela pic.twitter.com/Ms1P9ZHkCL

— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) January 23, 2018

There are very few exiles I find convincing of their continued fight in the liberation struggle outside of the borders. Bra Hugh’s body of works speaks volumes of his work outside SA. He was a true activist and ambassador of his country and continent. RIP King. pic.twitter.com/iFPFYSMSQA

— Vezuchiy Fanashnikov (@fanamokoena) January 23, 2018

Market Place and Strawberries were my favourites of yours Bra Hugh. Apart from a trumpeter you were a poet and a human rights activist and a force on stage- a spectacle! Robala ka Khotso Mokone!!! #ripbrahugh

A post shared by Thabiso Franco Thobagale (@thabisothuba) on Jan 23, 2018 at 12:17am PST

We love you Bra Hugh ??? pic.twitter.com/EabsFjKv2L

— Mmabatho Montsho (@MmabathoMontsho) January 23, 2018

“The world changes
Revolutionaries die
And the children forget
The Ghetto is our first love
And our dreams are
Drenched in gold
We don’t even cry
We don’t even cry about it
Know it no more
Are the beautiful ones really dead” – @thandiswamazwai ? #RestInPeaceBraHugh

— Renate Stuurman (@RenateStuurman) January 23, 2018

✊??RIP Ntate Hugh Masekela ?✊?#LastPerformance pic.twitter.com/nGLygwrBqs

— Warren (@warrenmasemola) January 23, 2018

Ah man??? A legend, a historian, a storyteller, a freedom fighter, an artist, and a great human being. #SoldierDown #RIPBroHugh #RIPHughMasekela #HughMasekela

A post shared by Tsar Lihle Mdutyana (@tsar_lihle) on Jan 23, 2018 at 12:27am PST