Canaan Mdletshe
Canaan Mdletshe
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sbu Ndebele has paid tribute to the late Miriam Makeba, Lucky Dube and Sipho Gumede at a gala event to celebrate 15 years of democracy in the arts.
The glittering function, also attended by storyteller Mgcina Mhlophe, was held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban on Friday.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo were honoured for being three times winners of the Grammy Awards.
"We commemorate Miriam Makeba, Sipho Gumede and Lucky Dube, who are no more with us.
"But through script, record and performance, we can always feel their presence," said Ndebele.
He said Makeba had won the hearts of many in exile and used her time overseas to draw attention to the evils of apartheid.
Sipho Gumede's real exposure came when he joined Afro-jazz group Sakhile as the group stood up against against forced removals, Ndebele said.
He also spoke of how Dube had chosen reggae because of its anti-apartheid symbolism.
The event was the brainchild of the eThekwini region of the ANC.
"These individuals are not just SA personalities but are recognised as icons of African music," said ANC provincial secretary Senzo Mchunu.
Premier Ndebele pays tribute to three late giants of SA music
Canaan Mdletshe
Canaan Mdletshe
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sbu Ndebele has paid tribute to the late Miriam Makeba, Lucky Dube and Sipho Gumede at a gala event to celebrate 15 years of democracy in the arts.
The glittering function, also attended by storyteller Mgcina Mhlophe, was held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban on Friday.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo were honoured for being three times winners of the Grammy Awards.
"We commemorate Miriam Makeba, Sipho Gumede and Lucky Dube, who are no more with us.
"But through script, record and performance, we can always feel their presence," said Ndebele.
He said Makeba had won the hearts of many in exile and used her time overseas to draw attention to the evils of apartheid.
Sipho Gumede's real exposure came when he joined Afro-jazz group Sakhile as the group stood up against against forced removals, Ndebele said.
He also spoke of how Dube had chosen reggae because of its anti-apartheid symbolism.
The event was the brainchild of the eThekwini region of the ANC.
"These individuals are not just SA personalities but are recognised as icons of African music," said ANC provincial secretary Senzo Mchunu.
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