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Thandiswa Mazwai will be honoured along with Vusi Mahlasela (inset) by the Music In Africa Foundation.
Thandiswa Mazwai will be honoured along with Vusi Mahlasela (inset) by the Music In Africa Foundation.

South African music legends will be honoured on 25 November by Music In Africa Foundation in Joburg.

The two legends – Vusi Mahlasela and Thandiswa Mazwai – will be honoured with the 2021 Music In Africa Honorary Award at the opening of the Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases.

According to the foundation’s chairman, Yusuf Mahmoud, the awards seek to recognise the outstanding contributions of notable musicians to their home country’s industry and Africa.

Mahmoud said: “We are delighted to present the Music In Africa Honorary Award to South African music legends Mahlasela and Mazwai.”

He further said: “These artists are some of the most important flag bearers for African music and their work to popularise African music around the world should be celebrated by all. We want to thank them for inspiring the next generation of creative talent in South Africa and all over Africa.”

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He said Mahlasela became an inspiration to many supporters of the anti-apartheid movement by singing about the struggle for freedom, forgiveness and reconciliation.

“He gained international recognition in 1990 when he played at the Zabalaza Festival in London and dedicated his debut album When You Come Back to those who sacrificed their lives during the struggle. Mahlasela has committed his life to singing songs about freedom, social justice and unity.

“In 2013, he was honoured with the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver.”

However, Mahmoud said, Mazwai’s music is often deeply political with compositions that include traditional Xhosa rhythms, mbaqanga, reggae, kwaito, funk and jazz.

“Her craft has earned her collaborations with various artists including Paul Simon, Hugh Masekela, Stimela and Busi Mhlongo,” said Mahmoud.

He said previous Music In Africa Honorary Award recipients include Baaba Maal of Senegal in 2017, Eric Wainaina of Kenya in 2018, Ebo Taylor of Ghana in 2019 and Bibie Brew of Ghana in 2019. Mahlasela said: “It’s an honour. It’s great that my work has never gone unnoticed and the people saw it fit to honour me and this is an encouragement to other artists. All talents must be awarded in accordance to skills and knowledge, not just in academia.”

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