Legendary South African jazz musician, Hugh Masekela, has been inducted into the Ertegun Hall of Fame following an event held at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Centre in New York over the past weekend.

At the event, South African Tourism, in collaboration with the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation, celebrated and honoured Masekela's contributions to jazz music and his impact on South Africa as a cultural destination.

Guests at the ceremony were treated to special musical performances, which included select performances from Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation scholarship students from the Manhattan School of Music.

Selema Masekela and Pula Twala, the children of Hugh Masekela, accepted the honour on behalf of their late father. Masekela’s nephew, Mabusha Masekela, was also part of the award ceremony. The jazz icon passed away in Johannesburg in 2018.

Also known as ‘Bra Hugh’, Masekela was born and raised in South Africa and is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. His unique style and fusion of African rhythms, jazz and world music have captivated audiences around the globe for decades.

“Masekela's music has become a symbol of South African culture, showcasing the rich heritage and diversity of the country and inspiring travellers to experience the destination's unique offerings,” SA Tourism said in a statement.

“In 2015 Hugh Masekela established the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation for the express purpose of preserving and promoting our African heritage and the restoration of our African identity through various mediums. In the five years since his passing the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation has continued to devote energy and time to maintaining and motivating projects that Bra Hugh initiated while still with us, as well as new initiatives that fit within our mission statement,” stated Twala, Board Member of the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation.

“None of these projects or initiatives would be possible without the continued support, both material and spiritual, of our friends and family, sisters and sons, institutions and organisations, near and far, sharing the values that Hugh espoused, promoted and stood for,” Twala added.

Speaking about the event, Themba Khumalo, Acting CEO of South African Tourism, said: "We are honoured to pay tribute to the late Hugh Masekela, a true icon of jazz music and a cultural ambassador for South Africa. His music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and his legacy lives on through the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation. We are proud to celebrate his induction into the Ertegun Hall of Fame and highlight the unique cultural offerings of South Africa as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking enriching experiences."