'I miss your kind and gentle counsel' — Thandiswa Mazwai visits Hugh Masekela's grave

Thandiswa Mazwai has shared her experience of visiting the grave of Hugh Masekela for the first time since his burial.

The legendary musician died at the age of 78 on January 23 2018 after a battle with prostate cancer. Masekela was laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery on January 30.

Thandiswa took to her timeline sharing images from her visit to his grave speaking of how much she missed the musician. 

“I sat for an hour while the winter sun warmed my back and the cold floor iced my bare feet. I played his music, then my new music. I wrote in my note book while burning a j [marijuana] and some palo santo. I cried a little bit and sat there for an hour before I finally left. David Adjaye created such a beautiful place to sit and honour Bra Hugh. Always missed Uncle Hugh. I miss your kind and gentle counsel as I finish this work.”

Thandiswa had maintained a close relationship with Masekela till his death.

The singer has been candid about how his death has affected her, as well as the loss of other musicians. 

In an interview with DJ Sbu and Paul Mnisi, Thandiswa spoke about her close relationships with Masekela and Busi Mhlongo, as well as the impact they had on her life and career when teaching her the history of music.

“Bra Hugh and Mam Busi's capacity to love and give of themselves, that's the thing you want to learn. You could be good at what you do, but if you don't have the capacity to have an open heart for people to feel loved in your presence, for me that would be the first commandment, where people feel safe in your presence.”

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