Internationally acclaimed Mahotella Queens have appealed to South Africans to take Mbaqanga music more seriously.

The mamas of mbaqanga music were addressing journalists at Cape Sun Hotel earlier today just before their performance tonight.

The group will have a special tribute performance at the Cape Town International Jazz to celebrate their 50 years in the music industry.

Lead singer and group leader, Hilda Tloubatla, 73, said South Africans had a tendency of assuming that mbaqanga music is for illiterate people. She further explained that mbaqanga was popular all over the world except in South Africa where it was brewed. 

Nobesuthu Tshawe, another member of the group said when they take on the stage in a few hours, they will remember that they started this journey with people like Simon Mahlathini Nkabinde, Marks Mankoane and West Nkosi among others.

Amanda Nkosi, the group's youngest member who joined the group last year when Mildred Mangxola, the founding member fell sick, said it was an honour to be part of a group with such a rich legacy.

“I grew up dancing and singing to their music. It is an honour and a bonus to be part of the group that I idolised as I was growing up."

Meanwhile, international musicians, Gerald Clayton, Basia and Jason Miles said they were looking forward to performing at the Cape Town International Jazz.  

Clayton has pointed out that he was not only looking forward to experiencing South African music, but he also wanted to feel the taste of the culture and food. He said after the press conference he was rushing to Robben Island to see the historic prison that kept the late Nelson Mandela for years.