LEGENDARY singer and actress Abigail Kubeka was honoured for her extraordinary 68-year contribution to Mzansi music in a moving tribute concert held at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.
The celebration, hosted by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, brought together iconic musicians and entertainers to pay homage to a woman whose voice, talent, and presence have left an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape.
The night featured unforgettable performances and heartfelt tributes from industry veterans who have walked alongside Kubeka through the decades.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka gave an impassioned speech celebrating the living legend and said: "What is a woman? A woman is a well-organised man. It's about time that we honour the well-living legend."
Veteran singer Vusi Mahlasela also took to the stage, expressing joy at being part of the tribute: "It is great that I and the army of musicians who are here to feed you with the music. I'm happy to be coming after a legend that I grew up listening to, Ntate Babsy Mlangeni."
Singer Condry Ziqubu became emotional as he recalled Kubeka's influence on his life and career: "Most of us come from your hands. I remember back then in Alex when I was still young and you were teaching us music. You are a beautiful angel. Thank you so much, Mama."
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TV presenter and singer Felicia Mabuza-Suttle sent a heartfelt video message from the United States: "I wish I was there with you tonight. My body is in America but my soul is in South Africa. Thank you to the Minister and Deputy for recognising Abigail. She and Miriam [Makeba] are the women I looked up to and wanted to sing like."
Felicia continued, thanking Kubeka personally: "Thank you for holding my hand throughout our careers. Tonight is your night-enjoy it."
Celebrated composer and musician Caiphus Semenya described the event as overdue and called for such tributes to happen more often.
"It's a special day. I really hope that this can be done again on her birthday. Thank you so much, Deputy Minister, for doing this for Abigail."
Semenya also recalled their shared history: "I was born in the same year as her. In 1959-that was the greatest year that has ever happened to township music. There was a show called King Kong and all of us were in that show as the cast. Why I mention it is because we have known each other all these years. She sang with Miriam Makeba and they used to drive us crazy."
When Mme Abigail Kubeka finally walked onto the stage supported by a crutch and visibly emotional, she still exuded the grace and passion that have defined her long-standing career.
"Thank you so much, to you South Africans, I'm yours. Thank you so much for the love you've shown. I'm so emotional I don't even know what to say," she said, fighting back tears, as the crowd gave her a standing ovation.
Despite her frailty, the iconic star still wanted to sing and dance, proving that her spirit and voice remain as powerful as ever.
The tribute was a celebration not just of an artist, but of a national treasure whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
