Hugh Masekela was a legendary South African musician, trumpeter, composer, and anti-apartheid activist. He was born on April 4, 1939, in Witbank, South Africa, and became known internationally for his contributions to jazz and his advocacy against apartheid.
Masekela’s music was influenced by various genres, including jazz, mbaqanga (a style of South African township music), and Afrobeat. He gained prominence in the 1960s with hits like “Grazing in the Grass,” which topped the charts in the United States. Masekela’s music often reflected his experiences as a black South African living under apartheid, addressing themes of oppression, resistance, and the struggle for freedom.
In addition to his musical career, Masekela was deeply involved in the anti-apartheid movement. He used his music as a tool for activism, spreading awareness about the injustices of apartheid and advocating for social change. Masekela spent much of his life in exile, living in various countries including the United States, where he collaborated with numerous artists and continued to champion the cause of freedom in South Africa. So loved and respected was he that Google doodle celebrated him globally on his 80th birthday. 
After the end of apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990, Masekela returned to South Africa and played a significant role in the country’s cultural and political landscape. He collaborated with other African greats like Fela Kuti and Angelique Kidjo. He continued to perform, record music, and advocate for social justice until his passing on January 23, 2018.
Hugh Masekela’s legacy extends far beyond his music; he is remembered as a cultural icon, a pioneer of South African jazz, and a tireless champion for equality and justice. His influence continues to be felt in the music world and in the ongoing struggle for human rights.
