South Africa’s Legendary Jazz Trumpeter, composer and singer Hugh Masekela has succumbed to prostate cancer on Tuesday.

According to a statement released by his family announcing his death, Masekela, commonly referred to as the ‘father of South African jazz’, died peacefully in Johannesburg, SA surrounded by family.

“After a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer, he passed peacefully in Johannesburg, South Africa surrounded by family,” the statement said.

The family celebrated him as “a loving father, brother, grandfather and friend”.

Masekela is said to been battling prostate cancer since 2008.

The hit Stimela, meaning coal train, released in 1994, has remained an all-time favourite for many fans. His other song Bring Him Back Home, released in a 1987 album, became a hit as it was an anti-apartheid protest song that demanded the release Nelson Mandela.

South Africa has lost two jazz legends in less than a year, following the death of Ray Phiri (70) in July 2017.

#RIPHughMasekela.