Singer Abigail Kubeka, whose career in music and acting spans six decades, was honored at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Ignite Her Soul Experience event held in Midrand. Colleagues from South Africa gathered on Sunday to pay her tribute.
For six decades, Abigail Kubeka has given her talent, voice, and soul to South Africa. On Sunday, it was her turn to receive love and enjoy the attention.
The legendary singer, actress, and cultural icon was honored at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 'Ignite Her Soul' Experience, held at Divine Sunset in Midrand, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to South Africa's artistic and cultural landscape. This celebration coincided with Women's Month, but it was dedicated to more than just a calendar event; it was a thank you to a woman whose life is woven into South Africa's cultural history.
The day was filled with an atmosphere of music, memories, and emotion, as other artists gathered to honor a woman whose career spans multiple generations. Kubeka, who has been in the entertainment industry for 69 years, admitted that this tribute caught her by surprise.
She shared her feelings: 'I am so flattered to be here. I am so happy, emotional, and speechless. I did not expect this, and in short, I am grateful.'
Executive Producer of Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Mantwa Chinoamadi, described the gathering as a moment when women from the creative industry can come together to honor a resilient figure while she can still receive their appreciation. Chinoamadi stated: 'We want to honor and thank her while she is alive.'
The hall filled with songs and dances as artists such as Maleh, Judith Sefuma, and Sifo 'Hotstix' Mabuse celebrated her life and legacy. Kubeka began her professional career in the 1950s, performing with the country's greatest talents and becoming part of The Skylarks, an all-female vocal group that helped define the era of South African music.
At the age of just 16, she was discovered by the legendary Miriam Makeba and invited to join The Skylarks. She then starred in the hit musical 'King Kong' and built a career spanning music, theater, film, and television. She remained a familiar face to generations of South Africans, proving that true art has no expiration date.
However, for Kubeka, success was never just about fame. She recently said: 'I do what I do not just for myself; I invite people to be part of it. As an artist, it is important to create works that connect you to people... works that stay with people.'
The theme of the event was inspired by Gaia—Mother Earth, symbolizing nurturing strength, rebirth, and fierce resistance. Furthermore, it drew a strong connection between contemporary female creatives and the 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956, in protest against apartheid pass laws. Kubeka embodies the same spirit of resilience, and perhaps the most fitting part of the tribute was that she could attend it in person.
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival 2026 will take place on September 25–26 at the Centurion Convention Centre.