THE queen bee of marabi jazz, Dorothy Masuka, is celebrating her 60th anniversary in the music industry.

Masuka was born Dorothy Masuku in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, 77 years ago.

The mispelling of her surname originated with a record label during her earliest recordings.

At the age of 12 she moved to Johannesburg to attend school. She produced her first record at 16 in 1951.

The icon spoke about her music career.

"I am glad I have crafted a legacy for the young generation that will be left behind when I pass on," she says laughing.

"This goes to show that I am not a dying person. Yes, my body is going to perish but I will still be around. It makes me happy knowing that I will leave my shadow behind."

"Young people must keep on singing indigenous African music because that's what the world is looking for. And they must keep on composing beautiful new tunes."

Gallo Records on Monday released Masuka's Ultimate Collection CD/DVD edition.

The CD tracklist includes some of her best loved songs, such as Into Yam, featuring Sibongile Khumalo, Handsome and Hamba Nontsokolo, among others.

The DVD is her 2010 concert in which she was joined on the stage by Hugh Masekela, Caiphuis Semenya, Abigail Kubheka and Sibongile Khumalo.

Masuka said earlier this week she was looking for someone who would give her Khoisan music that she can mix with mbhaqanga rhythm

"I want the lyrics of a Khoisan love song," she says. - mashiloanec@timesmedia.co.za