When we (my colleague and I) arrived at the hotel Bra Hugh’s manager, Josh Georgiou asked that we give them a few extra minutes to wrap up a business meeting and wait for the star to have lunch before we spoke.
I called my editor, reporting that the interview would start later than scheduled, but I wanted to wait. I am glad I did.
On Tuesday January 23, South Africa woke up to the devastating news that Bra Hugh had died after his long battle with prostate cancer.
After the initial overwhelming sadness slowly subsided, I realised that I was one of the lucky few that got the chance to drink from his well of wisdom.
Listening back to the voice recording of the interview, my nerves are clearly audible but only now do I realise how Bra Hugh also picked that up but decided to be patient with me.
During our two-hour interview Bra Hugh imparted more wisdom and knowledge than I asked for, and I will forever keep that in my heart.
I believe that these were lessons, not only for me but for his beloved Africa.
In the last few years, Bra Hugh made sure people knew exactly where he stood as far as weaves‚ land and language was concerned.
He proudly called himself “heritage captured” and explained that his resistance to things like weaves was because he believed Africa (and its cultures and heritage) was endangered.
“Africans, we are the only society in the world that imitate other cultures at the expense of our own. If we don’t stop, we are going to disappear, we are going to be extinct.”
The legendary musician said he was heartbroken and embarrassed by how far we had gone from who we are.
“Our history and heritage is the richest in the world and humanity and civilization started with us, so it’s so embarrassing for me to find us where we are today. So I am now obsessed with imparting it, it’s my duty.”