Front row at his last show

Music world is richer because of jazz maestro

When Hugh Masekela crooned a “goodbye” as he hit the last note of his iconic Stimela at the DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards in August, little did we know it would be his last public performance.

Masekela looked frail, but sturdy, as he punched the keys of his trumpet and left the audience on their feet as the applause went on and on. He also received the first ever lifetime achievement award at the ceremony.

CEO of general entertainment at MultiChoice, Yolisa Phahle, said: “It was an honour to be able to recognise Bra Hugh Masekela recently at the DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards where he gave a great performance and was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

“He told the South African story in an inimitable way. Through his music, the fight for democracy reached audiences all over the world and to us, he was the voice of hope during dark times. Hugh was recognised by the greatest musicians in the world.

“He played alongside jazz legends, incredible contemporary and chart-topping musicians, and is one of a few to have been at the famous Rumble in the Jungle. I have some very precious personal memories as he was a close family friend and a major inspiration to me as a young musician.”

A few weeks after the viewers choice awards, Masekela pulled out of his own Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival in Soweto and alarm bells rang.

He would never be seen on stage again.

/ VELI NHLAPO Hugh Masekela during the DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards.

/ SIMPHIWE NKWALI Jonas Ngwangwa and Hugh Masekela share a joke during the Joy of Jazz festival in Newtown.

/ J O H NCO M . The late Miriam Makeba with fellow musician and exhusband Hugh Masekela.

/TIMES MEDIA Hugh Masekela playing his Trumpet. Circa 1950s

THULI DLAMINI. Masekela at the Ugu Jazz Festival. /