The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will grace the city of Pretoria with a momentous tribute concert on Friday, 5 July 2025, to honour the extraordinary Mama Abigail Kubheka as part of the Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series. This one-night-only event at the State Theatre, commencing at 18:00, promises to be a powerful celebration of her 68 years of excellence in South Africa’s vibrant music, arts, and cultural landscape.
As a beacon of resilience and creativity, Mama Kubheka stands as an influential figure whose voice and presence have profoundly shaped the cultural identity of the nation. The concert will showcase over 25 illustrious performers who have volunteered their time and artistry to pay homage to a woman whose work has transcended generations.
The evening will be masterfully directed by Khaya Mahlangu, featuring celebrated artists such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Faith Kekana, Mandisa Dlanga, Khanyo Maphumulo, and Stella Khumalo. Audiences can also anticipate musical contributions from luminaries like Sipho Mabuse, McCoy Mrubata, Babsy Mlangeni, Stompie Manana, and Fana Zulu, with a special opening performance by Zenzi Makeba Lee and the Miriam Makeba Band.
Ms Peace Mabe, the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, will address the audience, underscoring the significance of honouring Mama Kubheka. “Mama Abigail Kubheka is more than a performer — she is a living archive of our nation’s cultural history,” she stated. “For nearly seven decades, her voice has carried the spirit of resistance, love, and healing. Honouring her through the Van Toeka Af series is both a duty and a privilege, and a reminder that South Africa’s greatest treasures are still among us, guiding us with their wisdom, grace, and unmatched artistry.”
The Van Toeka Af programme, launched in 2023, embodies a profound commitment to recognising and preserving the legacy of extraordinary artists who have defined South Africa’s cultural narrative. It aligns with the philosophy of giving them their flowers while they can still smell them, ensuring that they receive acknowledgment and support while continuing their journey.
Mama Abigail Kubheka, who began her storied career in the 1950s, is among the last surviving artists to have performed with icons such as Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela during apartheid. Her impressive body of work spans film, television, jazz, theatre, and activism, leaving an unparalleled legacy that continues to inspire countless emerging artists today.
This tribute is part of a broader initiative within the Van Toeka Af series, which celebrated the contributions of influential figures like Dr John Kani and Dr Tete Mbambisa. Such recognition events serve as poignant reminders of our shared cultural heritage — moments for reflection on the path travelled and the future of our artistic landscape.
Picture: Siphiwe Mhlambi
