Hugh Masekela was a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, composer, and bandleader whose vibrant sound blended jazz, Afrobeat, and traditional African music. Emerging in the 1960s, he became a global voice against apartheid, using his music to celebrate resilience and cultural pride. Renowned for international hits like “Grazing in the Grass” and collaborations with legends such as Miriam Makeba and Paul Simon, Masekela’s career spanned over five decades. His powerful performances and commitment to social justice cemented him as one of Africa’s most influential musical ambassadors.