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As we mourn the loss of yet another great South African artist, the Inkatha Freedom Party joins millions of South Africans in sending its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Hugh Masekela’s bereaved family and friends, and to the music industry at large.

“We're heartbroken to learn the news of the untimely passing of legendary Jazz Hugh Masekela as recently we have lost another legend Kwaito & Afro Pop producer, Robbie Malinga. We acknowledge the sublime role played by Hugh Masekela in transforming the jazz music industry in South Africa. We have lost a giant. Masekela will be sorely missed. The entire family remains in our thoughts and prayers,” said IFP National Spokesperson on Sports and Recreation, Mr Khethemabala Sithole MP.

“To send words of condolences to the families of the deceased is not enough if government is still failing to protect our musicians from this deadly virus of music piracy that is depriving artists of legitimate revenue.

In every street corner in towns and cities you find people selling illegal copies of music CDs and DVDs for as little as R10 or R20 each while police are doing little or nothing to arrest these charlatans who are destroying the music industry. If government truly feels the pain of losing our music legends, it’s now high time it does something to eradicate music piracy,” said Mr Sithole.

“Recently everyone was crying for Robbie Malinga and other legends who have passed away but one wonders how many of those who were crying have let those legends down by destroying their future in supporting those who sells fake music CDs. Piracy is a deadly disease, it is killing the music industry.

But it takes one to say “no” to piracy, all of us as a community must say “no” to piracy. If you love that artist so much why do you buy that CD on the street? Go the shops and buy the original and listen to better quality,” Concluded Mr Sithole.

Issued by IFP