Joy of Jazz celebrates Abigail Kubeka’s six-decade arts career

Songstress Abigail Kubeka, whose musical and acting career spans six decades, is celebrated at a Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Ignite Her Soul Experience in Midrand. Fellow South African musicians gathered in honour of her on Sunday.

Image: Timothy Bernard ANA Studio

For six decades, Abigail Kubeka has given South Africa her voice, her talent and her heart. On Sunday, it was her turn to sit back, listen, and receive the love.

The legendary singer, actress, and cultural icon was honoured at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz “Ignite Her Soul” Experience at Divine Sunset in Midrand, in a celebration of her extraordinary contribution to South Africa’s arts and cultural landscape.

The celebration came as Women’s Month drew to a close, but it was about much more than marking a calendar occasion. It was about saying thank you to a woman whose life has been woven into South Africa’s cultural story.

It was an afternoon filled with music, memories, and emotion as fellow artists gathered to pay tribute to a woman whose career has spanned generations.

Kubeka, who has been in the entertainment industry for 69 years, admitted that the tribute had caught her by surprise.

“I feel so honoured to be here. I’m so happy, emotional, and lost for words. I didn’t expect this, and in short, I’m grateful,” she said.

Songstress Abigail Kubeka with South African poet, educator, and activist Barbara Masekela.

Image: Timothy Bernard / ANA Studio

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz executive producer Mantwa Chinoamadi described the gathering as a moment for women in the creative industry to come together and honour a stalwart while she could still receive their gratitude.

"We want to honour her and thank her while she's still alive," Chinoamadi said.

The room erupted in song and dance as artists, including Maleh, Judith Sephuma and Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, celebrated her life and legacy.

Kubeka began her professional journey in the 1950s, performing with some of the country's greatest musical talents and becoming part of The Skylarks, the all-women vocal group that helped define an era of South African music.

At just 16, she was discovered by the legendary Miriam Makeba and invited to join The Skylarks. She went on to perform in the acclaimed King Kong musical and build a career spanning music, theatre, film, and television.

She has remained a familiar face to generations of South Africans, proving that true artistry does not have an expiry date.

For Kubeka, however, success has never been about fame alone.

“I don't just do what I do for myself; I invite people to be a part of it,” she was quoted as saying recently. “As an artist, it's important to create work that brings you closer to the people... work that stays with the people.”

Artists such as Judith Sephuma, Maleh, and Sipho "Hotstix' Mabuse on stage with Mam'Abigail Kubeka.

Image: Mapaseka Mogotsi

The theme of the event was inspired by Gaia - the Earth Mother - symbolising nurturing strength, regeneration, and fierce resistance.

It also drew a powerful connection between today's women creatives and the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings 70 years ago, on August 9, 1956, in protest against apartheid pass laws.

Kubeka represents that same spirit of resilience. And perhaps the most fitting part of the tribute was that she was there to experience it herself.

The 2026 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival will be held on September 25–26 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

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