Local artistes are mourning the death of South African legendary jazz instrumentalist Hugh Masekela who died on Tuesday morning after a long battle with cancer.

Masekela was a trumpeter, flugel hornist, cornetist, composer and singer.

The Internationally acclaimed jazz composer is considered the “Father of South African Jazz”.

He worked with a number of local artistes and promoters who expressed their profound loss among them Brian Chengala Shakarongo, Ephraim and El Mukuka.

“Farewell to the South African music giant, Pan Africanist, freedom fighter and liberation leader; the mighty Bra Hugh Masekela. My big brother, colleague and mentor bra Hugh Masekela. We recorded a song called One Happy Family, and shot a video with Bra Hugh Masekela on trumpet and myself on drums may his soul rest in power. We’ll miss you my big brother, “said Shakarongo.

Afro soul artist Wezi also described Hugh’s death as a huge loss to Africa and the world as he was a mouthpiece for the people

Mumba Yachi who shared the stage with the late Masekela in 2014 wrote: Rest in peace to the great and phenomenal musician Bra Hugh Masekela farewell.

Gospel singer Ephraim who was also tutored by Masekela described the singer as extraordinary.

“My former boss legendary Hugh Masekela has gone to be with the lord. You taught us hard work and trained us well at Pretoria state theatre. I will forever be grateful sir Hugh Masekela and I will forever wear that legendary hat just as you papa Jonas Gwangwa would call me you Kenneth Kaunda boy. RIP,” said Ephraim

Njoya Tembo, Zambia Association of Musicians president in a post wrote:” Zambia will continue to celebrate you and your works. RIP legendary”.