JOHANNESBURG – Legendary South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela has cancelled all commitments for the immediate future as he battles prostate cancer.

He asked the public for privacy in what he described as the only statement he would make publicly on the matter.

“I have cancelled my commitments for the immediate future as I will need all my energy to continue this fight against prostate cancer,” said Masekela who has been under treatment for the cancer since 2008.

“This will be the only public statement I make on the matter, and I ask for privacy going forward, so that I may rest and heal.”

Addressing “Friends and Media”, Masekela urged all men to have regular tests to prevent the spread of prostate cancer going unchecked.

The fourth annual Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival takes place on 4 November at the Elkah Stadium in Rockville Soweto.

Masekela himself was due to give a collaborative performance with Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi.

Statement from Ntate Hugh Masekela! We wish him a speedy recovery. #HughMasekela pic.twitter.com/Q2TUSUTsmK

— Just Curious (@JustCuriousZA) October 7, 2017

African News Agency