R.I.P. to a man of great talent and conviction. A tireless fighter for freedom and justice. And one hell of a trumpet player.
5
When I first heard the news I burst out crying. I have been listening to Hugh Masekela since the 60's. He was part of my youth along with Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba, Richie Havens and Laura Nyro. I can't believe he too is now gone. One sunny Tuesday in the 1990s I was shopping in a NYC health food store and saw him standing in line to pay. I went up to him and asked "Are you my favorite trumpet playing freedom fighter?" With a sly smile he replied "Only on Tuesdays." Oh, I am so sad.
7
Long live the spirit and notes of Hugh Masekela. It's a shame that apartheid stole so many years of life in his homeland from him. I'm not sure why this obituary refers to the "so-called" Sharpeville massacre; the events of that terrible day are not in dispute. Perhaps unintentionally, Russonello's use of the phrase "so-called" trivializes the Sharpeville massacre and flirts with dangerous revisionism.
9
Grazing in the Grass is about the happiest song in the world. We need more cowbell in the world! And trumpeters. :) Thank you Lord for giving the world Hugh Masekela. What a spreader of joy! My condolences to his family, friends, and all the people of South Africa.
11
Mr. Masekela, as a young musician growing up, your "Grazing in Grass" song inspired our music scene in the San Francisco Bay Area and I know it still playing around the world. Your star will hang in the sky for all to see and remember you, as your music will continue to inspire and lift up your people. Thank you. Love APB
6
Rest in POWER, Hugh Masekela...!
NPR's the World has a wonderful tribute to him, his music and political influence today on their program. There's going to be a little less cowbell in the world today...!
14
Rest in peace, Mr. Masekela. Your music was part of my formative years. You play for the angels now.
11
All hail Hugh Masekela! I saw him in concert three times and he was amazing. He introduced me to world music and African -infused jazz. What a world ambassador for peace and joy.
11
Why the "so-called" Sharpeville massacre? Is the Times implying it may not have really been a massacre?
18
Surprised this didn't allude to his appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival, or that his name was in the lyrics of the Monterey song by Eric Burton and the Animals.
16
I remember Hugh Masekela had a great Dance Hit on the Jive Afrika/Arista label entitled "Don't Go Lose it Baby". Great Dance track. I managed a 12" Dance Mix store where all the DJ's would come in and buy 2 copies of everything hot so they can mix it themselves. This track was a big seller for us. The store was called Jeffrey Electronics on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. THOSE WERE FUN TIMES! RIP HUGH MASEKELA.
12
I will forever remember listening to Hugh and his eclectic mix of African musicians, at The Village Gate and the spot across the street on Bleeker, and later being invited to the homes of friends to share African dishes, what fun, sharing his spirit, hospitality and music!
12
R.I.P., great man. The music lives on and on.
9
Rest in peace Hugh. I listened to Stimela (Coal Train) after I heard the news and the beauty, anger and poetry of that piece sent chills through me. You will be sorely missed.
9
I had the privilege of attending a live performance by Mr. Masakela and Miriam Makeba in the late 1980s. It was one of the most moving (in all senses of the word) musical experiences of my life.
Kwangathi umphefumulo wakhe uphumula ngokuthula
12
For readers physically in NYC now, Mama Africa, an excellent documentary about Miriam Makeba, is playing through Thursday at the the IFC. There is lots of interesting footage interviewing Masekela in the film.
11
Ahh Man!! Looks like this year will not be kind to us either. Gosh, I can remember hearing Grazin' In The Grass on the radio when I first got my drivers license.
11
And the year is not getting any kinder: Johnny Clegg (pancreatic cancer) will close out his “Final Journey ” world tour this weekend in Johannesburg.
1
Oh, what a heavy blow! We took our daughter to see him play as a young girl and briefly introduced him to her, and she’s still playing trumpet today. Like Dirk said above, I was convinced he would play for another 200 years. His music will endure at least as long. Our deepest condolences to his family. Amandla!
12
'Requiescat in pace' Hugh.
8
When we saw him a few years back, not too many, he had the energy of a 30 year old.
Loved him on "So You Want To Be A Rock and Roll Star", "Mandela", and so many more.
Great musician, great mentor to younger players, and great human being.
Rest in Peace.
21
A profound loss. His music will continue to inspire and comfort. May he rest in peace.
19
A great loss.
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