Hugh Masekela’s concert at Dubai Opera on December 11 will not go ahead.
The news comes after the famed trumpeter announced that he cancelled all upcoming concerts in London, Istanbul, Dubai and his native South Africa in order to focus on his treatment for prostate cancer.
Dubai Opera sent a statement to The National confirming the cancellation of the 78-year-old's performance date, with options being canvassed for a rescheduled show.
Those who purchased tickets for the December 11 concert have the option for a full refund or to transfer their ticket to another Dubai Opera show.
As well as performing alongside the likes of Dizzy Gillepsie and Louis Armstrong, the South African is also renowned as for his human rights advocacy. Masekela's stirring 1987 anti-apartheid anthem, Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela), was banned in South Africa upon release and aided in shedding light on the plight of his homeland to an international audience.
With over 30 albums released spanning seven decades, Masekela released his latest collection, No Borders, last year and features fellow South African music legend, the guitarist Themba Mokoena.
Here is the Dubai Opera statement in full:
It is with great regret that Dubai Opera confirms that the programme for the evening of the 11th December with Hugh Masekela will be postponed until further notice.
Hugh Masekela is currently resting under medical advice following surgery which has necessitated cancelling his upcoming tour in London, Istanbul, Dubai and South Africa. Dubai Opera hopes to be able to reschedule the performance as soon as possible, with details to follow soon. We sincerely appreciate Hugh Masekela’s many fans’ understanding on the matter whilst we explore additional options for an alternative date for his performance.
As soon as further information is available, all ticket holders for the 11th December will be given the opportunity to transfer their ticket or will be offered a full refund through their point of purchase. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused and we wish Hugh Masekela a very speedy recovery.
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