Local musician Kenny Mathaba was honoured with a BVSMA lifetime achievement award at an event at the Soweto Theatre.
The BVSM Awards were launched in 2014 by the Princess of Africa Foundation, established by Dr Yvonne ‘Chaka Chaka’ Mhinga, a renowned artist.
The awards aim to recognise and honour those unsung heroes and heroines who perform music for solo artists and often miss the spotlight.
Mathaba’s award reflects his 60 years in music. For seven of those 60 years, he played on a homemade tin guitar, then spent 51 years working with amateur and professional bands before becoming a freelance musician.
In the 80s, he added to his CV songwriting, music production and publishing and 14 years as a CD retail store owner.
Mathaba’s illustrious career saw him as a member of various South African music bands, including The Mad Dogs, The Black Hawks, Tulips, The Twi-Lights, Ozila, Ray Phiri, Jonas Gwangwa, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and Babsy Malangeni.
“In the late 70s, I worked as a cabaret backing musician for artists such as Mara Louw, the late Ben Satch Masinga, Retsi Pule, Taliep Peterson, Loli Peterson and Sophie Mgcina. I also worked for Sophia Foster, Terry Fortune, Joy, Abigail Kubheka, Lebo M, Papa and Bondie, Pam Mashinini,” he explained.
He has also worked with international artists Shirley Brown, Clarence Carter, Beth Neilson Chapman and Timmy Thomas.
Long journey in music
Mathaba also served for a decade on the board of the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra
“I served four years as the national arts and culture music advisory panel member and later became the chairperson of the Gauteng Arts and Culture Council, under the Gauteng government’s Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation for two terms, equalling six years,” he explained.
Recently, Mathaba pursued a solo career as a guitarist and singer playing underused instruments such as the chromatic harmonica, the blues harmonicas and the Hawaiian steel guitar.
“Being bestowed with the BVSM lifetime achievement award came when I had least expected one. This came while being bogged down by the Covid-19 State of Disaster that damaged the music industry, whereby I lost some family members and friends,” said Kenny.
The award came with prize money of R5 000 directly into his bank account and R20 000 for investment in a five-year endowment policy.
He also prides himself on receiving other recognition, such as being a South African Music Awards best adult contemporary nominee, receiving a Sony SA Gold Disc and a National Business Institute award for best promising business idea phase one winner.
