Gugu Sibiya

Gugu Sibiya

The Tribute To SA Music Heroes Concert will this year honour the legendary Busi Mhlongo, the ailing KwaZulu-Natal maskandi sensa- tion.

There have been many media reports about her valiant battle with cancer recently.

In spite of the conflicting stories of doom and gloom, Mhlongo has remained steadfastly brave and positive.

News of Drakensberg Promotions bestowing this honour on Mhlongo must have lifted her spirits.

Most people will remember her for her dazzling concerts after her return to the country. Her great popularity led to people calling the amiable entertainer the urban Zulu.

Before she left in the 1970s in search of greener pastures, Mhlongo released her famous song, My boy lollipop. It was a feat for a black South African woman to generate such mass appeal during the dark days of apartheid.

Also sharing the spotlight at the concert will be Queeneth Ndaba, Don Laka and Vusi Mahlasela.

The concert, which was started after inspiration from Aggrey Klaaste, the late Sowetan editor, who incidentally will also be honoured, has become a recognised platform for honouring contributors who, more often than not, have been left by the wayside.