Hugh Masekela cancels commitments due to ailing health
Legendary South African artist, Hugh Masekela has cancelled all his immediate commitments due to his ailing health.
According to a statement by Masekela, he underwent surgery last month to remove a tumour, after initially being diagnosed with cancer in 2008.
The statement reads:
Dear Friends and Media
I have been in treatment for prostate cancer since 2008 when doctors discovered a small “speck” on my bladder. The treatment seemed to be successful, but in March 2016 I had to undergo surgery as the cancer had spread.
In April 2017, while in Morocco I fell and sprained my shoulder. I began to feel an imbalance when I was walking and my left eye was troubling me. Another tumour was discovered and subsequently, in September 2017, I had emergency treatment, and the tumour was neutralised.
Masekela goes on to say that battling cancer is a tough one but that he is "greatly encouraged" by the good wishes of family, friends and everyone who has supported him.
"I have cancelled my commitments for the immediate future as I will need all my energy to continue this fight against prostate cancer," Masekela says.
He also asked that his privacy be respected, saying that this is the only statement he would make on the matter.
"I ask for privacy going forward, so that I may rest and heal," the statement concludes.