Joy of Jazz celebrates Abigail Kubeka’s six-decade arts career

Songstress Abigail Kubeka, whose musical and acting career spans six decades, is celebrated at a Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Ignite Her Soul Experience in Midrand. Fellow South African musicians gathered in honour of her on Sunday.

For six decades, Abigail Kubeka has given South Africa her voice, her talent and her heart. On Sunday, it was her turn to sit back, listen, and receive the love.

The legendary singer, actress, and cultural icon was honoured at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz “Ignite Her Soul” Experience at Divine Sunset in Midrand , in a celebration of her extraordinary contribution to South Africa’s arts and cultural landscape.

The celebration came as Women’s Month drew to a close, but it was about much more than marking a calendar occasion. It was about saying thank you to a woman whose life has been woven into South Africa’s cultural story.

It was an afternoon filled with music, memories, and emotion as fellow artists gathered to pay tribute to a woman whose career has spanned generations.

Kubeka, who has been in the entertainment industry for 69 years, admitted that the tribute had caught her by surprise.

“I feel so honoured to be here. I’m so happy, emotional, and lost for words. I didn’t expect this, and in short, I’m grateful,” she said.

Songstress Abigail Kubeka with South African poet, educator, and activist Barbara Masekela.

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz executive producer Mantwa Chinoamadi described the gathering as a moment for women in the creative industry to come together and honour a stalwart while she could still receive their gratitude.

"We want to honour her and thank her while she's still alive," Chinoamadi said.

The room erupted in song and dance as artists, including Maleh, Judith Sephuma and Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, celebrated her life and legacy.

Kubeka began her professional journey in the 1950s, performing with some of the country's greatest musical talents and becoming part of The Skylarks, the all-women vocal group that helped define an era of South African music.

At just 16, she was discovered by the legendary Miriam Makeba and invited to join The Skylarks. She went on to perform in the acclaimed King Kong musical and build a career spanning music, theatre, film, and television.

She has remained a familiar face to generations of South Africans, proving that true artistry does not have an expiry date.