Family spokeswoman Marang Setshwaelo said: “It is with profound sorrow that the family of Hugh Masekela announced his passing.

For sixty years Hugh Masekela was celebrated worldwide.And his beautiful music will continue.Bra Hugh’s heavenly trumpet will still play some of the best tunes ever heard.

Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa summed it up best when he tweeted “A baobab tree has fallen”.

“After a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer, he passed peacefully in Joburg, surrounded by his family.”

Marang said the family is heartbroken by the death of the man who was a loving father, brother, grandfather and friend.

“Our hearts beat with profound loss. Hugh’s global and activist contribution to, and participation in, the areas of music, theatre and the arts in general is contained in the minds and memory of millions across six continents.”

She said they are blessed and grateful to be part of the life and ever expanding legacy of love, sharing and creativity that spanned many decades.

“Rest in power, beloved, you are forever in our hearts,” she said.

Marang asked the media to give them space to digest the sad news with their family.

Celebrities that visited the family house in Houghton, Joburg include Mbongeni Ngema, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu, Jonas Gwangwa, Mandla Langa, Thandiswa Mazwayi and Lucky Hadebe.

Ngema said Bra Hugh’s death was a big loss not only for the family but for the entire nation.

“I spoke to Bra Hugh two weeks ago and we had a great chat.

“We joked as we always used to do,” he said.

“His music touched many people around the world. He changed many lives through his music

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