The Drakensburg Promotions Tribute Awards honour key role players in the music industry including journalists, promoters and those who work behind the scenes, such as producers, backing singers and technical crew.
The artists to be honoured this year are Johnny Clegg, Dr Thomas Chauke, saxophonist Khaya Mahlangu, Alec Khaoli, Blondie & Pappa Makhene. As the nation marks the 20-years-of-democracy milestone, this year’s awards are a poignant reminder of the remarkable role music has and continues to play in our democracy, by simultaneously swaying our feet and consciences. It’s befitting that at this significant milestone some of the artists being honoured have used music as a form of anti-apartheid activism.
A gala dinner will be held at the Southern Sun Hotel in Pretoria on 28 August, just two days before the star-studded Moretele Park Tribute Concert gets underway. Johnny Clegg, Mafikizolo, Mi Casa, Jonas Gwangwa, Lira and Zonke are among the artists billed to perform at this concert.
Those to be honoured are:
People who play a big role in the music industry:
1. Nhlanhla Paul Sibisi
2. Graeme Gilfillan
3. Freddie Nyathela
Artists:
1. Dr Thomas Chauke
2. Johnny Clegg
3. Pappa & Blondie Makhene
4. Masike “funky”Mohapi (posthumously)
5. Khaya Mahlangu
6. Om Alec Khaoli
Journalists:
1. Victor RW Mecoamere
2. Vukile Pokwana
3. Sandile Memela
4. Derick Thema
5. Bongane Madondo
Promoters:
1. Sam Jiza Jiza Mthembu
2. Roddy Quin
3. Sabinki Senabe
4. Joe Chakela
5. Carel Hoffmann
Artists behind the scenes:
1. Lawrence Matshiza
2. Beaulah Hashe
3. Khanyisile Khanyo Ellen Maphumulo
The Tribute Awards is for invited guests only; it is not opened to the public.