LATE jazz icon Hugh Masekela is still making great strides even in his absence.
He's been inducted into the Ertegun Hall of Fame. This is a recognition of his remarkable achievements in the music industry and his impact on South Africa as a cultural destination.
The Ertegun Hall of Fame is named after songwriter, producer and co-founder of Atlantic Record Ahmet Ertegun.
Musicians who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame include American trumpeters Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis, American jazz pianist Count Basie, and American singer-songwriter, Nina Simone.
ALSO READ : Jujulipps releases new song titled Saucy
South African Tourism and the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation hosted a pre-induction reception at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Ertegun Hall of Fame on Monday, 17 April.
Bra Hugh’s children, Selema Masekela and Pula Twala, accepted the honour on behalf of their late father.
Speaking about the induction and the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation, Pula said: “In 2015, Hugh Masekela established the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation for the express purpose of preserving and promoting our African heritage and the restoration of our African identity through various mediums.
“In the five years since his passing, the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation has continued to devote energy and time to maintaining and motivating projects that Bra Hugh initiated while he was still with us, as well as new initiatives that fit within our mission statement,” Pula said.
Acting CEO of South African Tourism Themba Khumalo was also in attendance. He said they are honoured to be part of Bra Hugh’s induction.
"We are honoured to pay tribute to the late Hugh Masekela, a true icon of jazz music and a cultural ambassador for South Africa. His music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and his legacy lives on through the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation.”
Bra Hugh died in 2018 after a long battle with prostate cancer.
