The late kwaito sensation Makhendlas and rugga artist Zombo will be some of the fallen artists honoured at a glittering event in Newtown today.

Makhendlas, real name Oupa Mafokate, was the hottest kwaito artist when he committed suicide in 1998.

Zombo was once a hot potato when Abashante burst into the limelight.

The event is being organised by recording company 999 Music to honour artists who contributed to the music industry and who were discovered by the stable.

The brains behind the initiative is self-proclaimed kwaito king Arthur Mafokate, who is Makhendlas' brother.

There will be performances by various musicians.

Mafokate, however, declined to give names of the artists who will perform.

"There are a lot of artists who have shown interest in performing on the day and I cannot name them because there are so many and dropping names will not be fair because I cannot name all of them," Mafokate said.

Other artists to be honoured are Mageu, Purity, Sasa, Aba of Abashante fame, Supasta, Chiskop duo Sizwe and Sbu, Dipuo (DeeDee), JR, Prince and Jerry.

The event is to be staged at Sophiatown restaurant where Metro FM will be broadcasting live during the Glen Lewis and Unathi show.

Mafokate said some artists were not with his stable when they died but will still be honoured. "This event is not about 999 artists but about artists who contributed in the industry. We are just acknowledging them.

"We are also going to use the opportunity to make a call to all artists to come together and look after one another as the country celebrates heritage month."