AFRIMA 2018 to celebrate Hugh Masekela

The South African veteran artist passed on on 23 January. He had been expected to attend the last edition of the annual event but was too ill to make it to the Lagos ceremony where his last body of work No Borders received three nods.

The nominations—in the Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa, Album of the Year and Best Artiste in African Jazz categories—said AFRIMA in an official statement, is proof “the legend waxed strong till his last breath”.

“It is a huge loss for the continent and African music,” added president of AFRIMA Mike Dada. “Masekela's music had the depth, the lyricism and the instrumentation that place the legend in the class of world music classics with a definitive signature of its African sound. The music icon will be greatly missed but his music and struggle for free and prosperous Africa will always be in our hearts and minds.”

Since Masekela’s death, African artists around the world have extolled the jazz great’s excellence. Speaking to Music in Africa, Afrobeat man Dele Sosimi said, “He was revered for his music, politics and social comments. We all loved him and the stance he chose.”

Calling Masekela an "ebullient trumpeter and seasoned composer" who "created a brand of music that was a constant thorn in the flesh of the Apartheid regime", Sosimi's compatriot the poet Niyi Osundare republished a poem written for Masekela years ago. It reads in part:

"Your trumpet pumps the wind
into a bold, metallic roar;
the universe throbs in awe
a worsted thunder whines
in a blue corner of the sky"

In remembrance of Masekela’s life and work, AFRIMA says it will pay tribute to music and activist who released 49 albums. Details of the tribute have not been announced, but the awards body hinted at “a glorifying spectacle” for Masekela at its fifth ceremony, which will take place in November.