Mandoza to be honoured in death at the Samas

Kwaito legend Mandoza is set to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement award from the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) next month.

Born Mduduzi Thembinkosi Edmund Tshabalala, Mandoza passed away in September 2016 after succumbing to brain tumour cancer.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards honours artists who have made outstanding contributions to the South African music industry over a minimum of 20 years.

Mandoza enthralled audiences with boastful albums like Nkalakatha, Godoba, Tornado, Champion, and Phunyuka Bamphethe. He co-founded the Kwaito group Chiskop in the 90s, and his 1999 album, Uzoythola Kanjani, became a pivotal moment in Kwaito history.

Mandoza’s anthem, Nkalakatha, released in 2000, remains an enduring crossover hit – the song was played recently at Stade de France in Paris after the Springboks beat France in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Rugby World Cup.

The other artists who will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Awards include late jazz vocalist Gloria Bosman, Ihashi Elimhlophe, and Pops Mohamed.

RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said this category symbolises a celebration of excellence and a tribute to the recipients.

He added: “We are thrilled to honour the recipients of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 29th SAMAs. With great excitement and pride, we present these awards to truly deserving recipients, recognising their enduring impact and global recognition.”

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The SAMA29 will be held in KwaZulu-Natal on 18 and 19 November

eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said they were happy to host the SAMAs this year.

“We will offer five-star accommodation as well as an array of experiences that visitors can enjoy, including adventure, culture, heritage, culinary, the beach, and shopping. The list is endless of activities to enjoy in the city, which is why we can proudly say #DurbanHasMore.”

He said the awards will boost the tourism sector and also help to create jobs.

“It is a great platform to market destination Durban to the millions of viewers and music lovers who will be attending the SAMAs ahead of the festive season.

“Such events are an opportunity for us to showcase the beauty and adventure that the city has to offer. It is also an opportunity to grow the local economy. We expect 123 job opportunities to be created from hosting the SAMAs. Which is also an opportunity for local small businesses to thrive,” he added.

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