The Sunday News
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
AFRO-pop maestro, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi is devastated by the illness of his close friend in music circles, South African trumpeter, Hugh Masekela who is battling prostate cancer.
A statement released by Dreamcatcher Multimedia, on behalf of Ramapholo Hugh Masekela, announced that Masekela would not make any future appearances on stage as he gave himself time to battle the disease.
Award winning trumpeter, perhaps one of the greatest trumpeters in Africa, Bra Masekela known for his hits Shop Around and Hey! Baby, has been a public supporter for Zimbabwe music icon, Mtukudzi and they have worked together on countless projects.
One of their unforgettable projects together was back in 2012, when Bra Hugh supported Tuku’s birthday bash at a special concert dubbed One Night Africa, which featured a star studded line of artistes namely Judith Sephuma, Steve Dyer, Siphokazi and Zahara.
The memorable concert saw the African legends share the stage and playing duets of their greatest works. Mtukudzi spiced up Masekela’s Thanayi hit with incredible guitar chords, on the other hand, Masekela added a beautiful and sonorous trumpet sound to Mtukudzi’s renowned track Neria.
Tuku’s manager, Walter Wanyanya said Masekela’s illness was a blow on Tuku.
“Mtukudzi and Hugh have been friends for a long time. He is well aware of how his illness has affected his colleague and they are in constant contact with each other. The two have always sympathised with each other before, and they continue to support each other in difficult and in happy times,” he said.
Bra Masekela was set to wow his forever grateful fans at the much anticipated Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival brought by ASSUPOL from South Africa, to celebrate the life of the South African music mogul next month.
Despite his illness, the festival dubbed the No Border 2017 concert will still take centre stage at Rockville Soweto’s Elkah Stadium.
The Neria hit maker is set to perform at the concert and Wanyanya said it was a once off concert which fans had to try by all means necessary to attend.
“The Bra Masekela festival will celebrate the illustrious music careers of both Tuku and Bra Masekela. A special band that combines the black spirits and Hugh’s backing band will perform at the concert. It would be a once in a lifetime concert which could see some Zimbabweans driving all the way to South Africa to attend,” he said.
Tuku will wow fans alongside Sidlukotini rapper Riky Rick, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Bye Beneco, Johnny Cradle, Zoe Modiga and BCUC.
South African’s Tsonga music icon, Penny Penny popularly known for his foot stopping Shaka Bhundu album is also set to rock the stage at Masekela festival, completing a breathtaking line-up of legendary artistes to lighten up the festival. -@NcubeBhekumuzi
