Legendary musician Hugh Masekela is dead

Trumpeter and singer Hugh Masekela, known as the “father of South African jazz” who used his music in the fight against apartheid, has died from prostate cancer. He was 78.

In a statement, the family expressed their grief, saying he was “a loving father, brother, grandfather and friend.

"Our hearts beat with profound loss.“Hugh Masekela was someone who always engaged robustly with the press on musical and social political issues."

The family said it would in due course release details of memorial and burial services.

The musician's team released a statement in October saying he had been battling prostate cancer since 2008.

The jazz veteran underwent eye surgery in March 2016 after the cancer spread, and had to go into theatre again in September 2016 after another tumour was discovered.In December, Masekela's manager, Josh Georgiou, told TshisaLIVE his client was fighting the disease with everything he had.President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday:"The nation mourns one of its most recognisable signature talents ... It is an immeasurable loss to the music industry and to the country at large."His contribution to the struggle for liberation will never be forgotten. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and peers in the arts and culture fraternity at large. May his soul rest in peace."Uhuru also on mourned the legend sharing how he gave South Africa a powerful voice: