Legacy artist Abigail Kubeka receives her flowers while she can still smell them

South Africa's rich musical heritage needs no introduction, and neither does Mama Abigail Kubeka. No one knows this better than the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (JoJ), which is not just a music fiesta but a celebratory platform for cultural trailblazers. US legend Miles Davis and local icon Kippie Moeketsi were honoured in 2012, Yvonne Chaka Chaka was honoured in 2019 and 2026 is Kubeka's turn to receive her flowers while she can still smell them.

Joy of Jazz is a home for artists

Kubeka's relationship with JoJ dates so far back that she feels the festival is like home. She speaks fondly of the festival's ability to platform artists from various countries and music genres, saying it is a festival for the people. Having been a musician for a commendable 69 years, Kubeka's artistic prowess deserves this honour as it transcends generations. 

"It's a gift. I don't just do what I do for myself, I invite people to be a part of it. As an artist, it's important to create work that brings you closer to the people... work that stays with the people," says Kubeka.

The term musician is used loosely here, as Kubeka has done it all — musical theatre, songwriting, films, television, modelling… the list is endless.
She doesn't believe versatility alone is sufficient, emphasising the importance of dedication and teamwork, as this is an industry that no artist can navigate alone.

Stop pitting women against each other!

The rivalry and division that social media users are desperately trying to cultivate between Tyla and Ayra Starr have nothing to do with the internet — this practice is as old as time. Kubeka was fortunate enough to escape being pitted against another woman, but she vividly recalls witnessing the same thing happening to Brenda Fassie and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the Mahotella Queens and Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje and many other women in the arts.

"People will always want to ruin a beautiful thing. They get bored and then they do these silly things. Artists should fight, we should not allow that. It's stupidity and it won't take us anywhere," she said.

She encourages promoting artist collaborations to enhance the work, instead of peddling unnecessary competition. Something magical happens when different creative styles integrate, she says.

Casting an eye on Heritage Month

JoJ happens during Heritage Month — the perfect time to celebrate Kubeka as a struggle liberation icon who carved her career in the thick of apartheid and fought for the township music legacy after the destruction of Sophiatown. She was even hailed by Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison, recognizing her as the people's pillar of strength.

"We may be in a democracy but we have not arrived at the South Africa we envisioned. People are unhappy and hungry. We got too excited about the idea of ​​democracy and this caused us to lose sight of the bigger picture," she said.

But Kubeka loves her country and says South Africans are a kind and generous people.

As the country observes 70 years since the Women's March, her message is that cultural practices rooted in oppressing women need to be re-examined, and that both men and women need to be united in unlearning these practices.

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