Hugh Masekela halts work to battle cancer.

Hugh Masekela released a statement on Friday where he asked for privacy as he continued to fight prostrate cancer.

Hugh was first diagnosed with cancer in 2008 when a small speck was discovered in his bladder.

He said the treatment had appeared to be successful but in March 2016 he had 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 neutralized‚” he said in the statement.

“It is a tough battle but I am greatly encouraged by the good wishes of family‚ friends and everyone who has supported my musical journey‚ which remains the greatest source of my inspiration‚” the jazz legend added.

He said he was in a “good space as I battle this stealthy disease” and urged all men to have regular tests to check their own condition.