The well-known South African jazz musician died after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer - He was 78 years old Veteran musician Hugh Masekela has died several reports from South Africa confirm. Popularly known as the ‘father of South African jazz’, he passed on at the age of 78. In a statement released by Masekela’s family, it was revealed that the famous jazz trumpeter passed after a battle with prostate cancer. “After a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer, he passed peacefully in Johannesburg, South Africa, surrounded by his family.” The late Masekela was a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer and singer known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs such as Soweto Blues and Bring Him Back Home.

In fact, his 1987 hit Bring Him Back Home was used as the theme song for former president Nelson Mandela’s world tour after his release from prison. South African Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa confirmed the news via his Twitter page writing that: “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.”

Great musician. May his soul rest in peace.