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Being an icon has not tainted Abigail Kubeka’s humility, and a plethora of high-calibre South African women celebrated her at a prestigious event held in Midrand last weekend.
Creative industry royalty came out in numbers
From celebrated author Barbara Masekela, who has previously served as South Africa’s ambassador to France, the USA and UNESCO, to Standard Bank’s head of brand experience Yolisa Koza and Joy of Jazz producer Mantwa Chinoamadi, the calibre of South African women who came out to celebrate the iconic Abigail Kubeka on Sunday was unmatched.
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Ignite Her Soul Experience was held at Divine Sunset in Midrand, and the beauty of the venue was amplified by the colourful flowers and SUVs from Tata Motors.
It’s easy to think of people Mama Abigail’s age as tired and lacking energy, but this legend is unstoppable. She recently appeared in Dear Sisi Dolly, which premiered in cinemas across the country in July, proving that the age-defying queen is still going strong.
At the event, she demonstrated her never-say-die spirit by performing some of her classics, but the atmosphere turned into a full-fledged musical fiesta as Thandiswa Mazwai, Maleh, Judith Sephuma and other musicians performed an Abigail Kubeka medley.
The performance was such a hit with the audience that it was difficult to reconcile that this was an impromptu, unrehearsed moment.
The music community did not disappoint, as Nothemba Madumo, Non Botha, Shado Twala and other women who have carried South African jazz were also present.
But Abigail Kubeka is loved by creatives beyond music, as veteran actresses Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Nthati Moshesh and others also honoured the invitation and its "Gaia – the Earth Mother" theme, with Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu as the programme director.
Voices of the stars
Mantwa expressed her pride in this initiative, noting that it’s more common for legends to be honoured after they have passed on than while they are still alive.
But she also extended the celebration to the rest of Mzansi’s women, reminding jazz lovers and friends of the festival that they deserve to be poured into, and declared the event a "soft space" for women.
"This is not just a space to network but to breathe, laugh and dance. We should all remind the women around us that we see them… we hear them," she said.
During her performance, Mama Abigail paid tribute to Thandi Klaasen, Gloria Bosman, Busi Mhlongo and many others who touched her life, as much as she has those of everyone who understands the universal language that is music.
"Don't let this end with me. Do it for the young kids as well. Build them, don't discard us. We are not playing when we make art; this is a calling. Let us come together and fix our country. The only way we can do it is by uniting and respecting each other," said Mama Abigail.
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When Aus Mantwa spoke about giving Mama Abigail her flowers, the sentiment at my table was, "Your day is coming."
Because what she has done for South African jazz is a story worth being documented in a thousand books, and South African women cannot wait to give her her own flowers.
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