LEGENDARY soul and funk music pioneer Om Alec Khaoli says it is humbling that he will be honoured at the Tribute to South African Music Heroes Awards Ceremony tonight.

The gala dinner event celebrates musicians who have played a remarkable role in the music industry.

Other artists to be honoured this year include Johnny Clegg, Dr Thomas Chauke, Khaya Mahlangu, Blondie & Pappa Makhene, and the late Harari band member Masike "Funky" Mohapi.

Khaoli, who was also a member of Harari and Umoja in the 1970s and 1980s, said the music he and his bands made played a crucial part in society during the apartheid years.

"We pioneered happy music. During apartheid times we made people laugh and dance when things weren't looking good," Khaoli said.

"People still listen to the old stuff. I didn't think 20, 30 years [later] people would still listen to us."

He said Mohapi, who died earlier this month, was one of the most talented voices he has ever worked with.

A tribute song for Mohapi is on the cards as he is in studio with fellow Harari member Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, Khaoli said.

Xitsonga cultural musician Chauke, a South African Music Awards winner, said he was honoured to be included in a room full of greats.

Since the awards' inception in 1998, more than 90 musicians and people working in the music industry have been honoured, including Miriam Makeba, Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masekela, Victor Ntoni, Sibongile Khumalo, Dorothy Masuku and Lucky Dube.

The awards will be followed by the star-studded Moretele Park Tribute Concert on Sunday, where Mafikizolo, Mi Casa, Jonas Gwangwa, Lira and Zonke are billed to perform.

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