Lifetime Achievement award is always an interesting award that recognizes music pioneers who have dedicate their careers in South African music journey…..Well the 14 Metro FM Music awards Lifetime Achievement award was given to Tsepo Tshola and The Mahotella Queens. Tshepo Tshola is known for his lead singer vocalist of his band from the ‘mountain kingdom’ of Lesotho – Sankomota. The band (originally named Uhuru) was formed around 1976 and consisted of several members in its earliest years, namely – Frank Leepa (guitarist, vocalist, arranger, composer), Moss Nkofo (drummer), Black Jesus (percussion), Moruti Selate, Tšepo Tšola (lead vocalist, composer), Pitso Sera (guitar), among others.
The Mahotella Queens is a group formed in 1964 by music producer Rupert Bopape. Originally a studio recording group consisting of around five or six singers, the current line-up of the Queens comprises Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Amanda Nkosi. The group is noted for their distinct vocal harmony sound, guitar-led mbaqanga music and fast-paced stage dancing. Bopape was a talent scout and producer at the independent Gallo Africa’s then-subsidiary dedicated to black music, Mavuthela Music Company. He formed the Mahotella Queens as the company’s resident girl group and the ensemble, often led by the deep-voiced male vocals of Simon ‘Mahlathini’ Nkabinde, went on to have many hit records during the 1960s.
