MUSIC legend Don Laka was honoured with an Icon Award at the Beat Makers Market event on Sunday, 26 September at Turnkey Music and Multimedia in Joburg.
It was streamed live on Facebook.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Don said: “I have been in the music industry for 49 years. I was only 13 when I started making music.
“It has been a long journey but at no age did I feel like quitting.
“For me, it’s just a normal job. It’s part of my daily routine and I didn’t even notice I was making such an impact on people.”
Over the past decades, Don has arranged, produced and composed songs for more than 80 artists and has recorded more than 700 songs.
Among the artists he worked with were Hugh Masekela, Mafikizolo, Brenda Fassie, Jeff Maluleka, Black Coffee, Steve Kekana, Johnny Clegg, Sibongile Khumalo, Dorothy Masuka and Maphorisa.
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“Unfortunately, most of the legendry artists I’ve worked with have passed on,” he said.
Don said he was particularly proud of the album he worked on with Bra Hugh.
“That was the album that got me recognition internationally.
“Other albums that are close to my heart are those I worked on with Mafikizolo and Lungiswa Plaatjies,” he said.
“Lungiswa’s songs were particularly important because they introduced Xhosa music to the industry.”
He said all the work he had done was never just for himself but for the good of the public.
“Throughout my music career, I have never wanted to write my legacy.
“Instead, I have always wanted my people and those I serve to write it,” he said.
Don said he could not think of anyone who had worked with as many artists as he had.
“My work speaks for itself. It’s a record on its own and it’s going to be hard for anyone to break it,” he said.
