Esteemed musicians Abigail Kubeka and Yvonne Chaka Chaka will be honoured with Lifetime awards at the first annual Basadi in Music Awards on Saturday, at the Gallagher Estate Convention Centre.
Kubeka developed a sterling career as an actress starring in stage productions, television shows and films which kept her star shining bright, commanding large and intimate audiences including for the late former President Nelson Mandela and the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Chaka Chaka known for her originality and African flavour is one of the few Black South African female acts to break through outside South African borders, and has earned herself the title of “ Princess of Africa”, a name she also uses for her foundation which champions change in health and education for African and South American communities
CEO of the South African Music Performance Rights Association, Hloni Modise-Matau, said: “One cannot dispute the contribution that Mam’Abigail and Mam’Yvonne have made to the music industry. They have changed history with their crafts and broken through glass ceiling so that women in music today are able to soar. We are honoured to be presenting them with the Lifetime awards because their influence in evolving musical genres ensures that today we are able to enjoy cultural diversity through music.”
SAMPRA Chief Marketing Officer Tiyani Maluleke also congratulated the legendary music pair.
“Congratulations to the cradle and beacon of all women in our industry. We see you, Mama Africa. We see you, Mama Abigail Kubeka. As SAMPRA, we are so proud to be a sponsor of a category as prestigious as you both are. What a momentous occasion!” said Maluleke
Lumka Dlomo from Destination Marketing Joburg Tourism said, “As Destination Joburg, we’re thrilled and honoured to be partnering with and supporting the inaugural BIMA Lifetime Awards,”
“In anticipation of regional and domestic visitors who are expected to travel to Johannesburg to attend the award ceremony, hosting the event in Joburg will boost our local economy and help reignite the City’s tourism and creative industries which have been hard so hit by the COVID-19 global pandemic over the past two years. This includes so many sectors - from accommodation establishments and tourist attractions to restaurants, shopping and transport to mention but a few,” said Dlomo.
“Moreover, our support aligns perfectly with our strategic objective of positioning Johannesburg as a diverse and vibrant, international leisure and lifestyle destination – a phenomenal hub for music, fashion and the arts. It’s a prime opportunity to promote our city to festival goers and remind them that there is SO much more to Joburg than business!”
The Basadi in Music Awards to be held on October 15, will be hosted by Nomuzi Mabena and Anele Zondo who will present awards across twenty categories as voted by the public.