'My turn to return the favour': Sbu Malawyer celebrate 25 years in kwaito
The Soweto-born artist, known for timeless hits like Amalawyer and Mzala, will headline a special anniversary event at the historic Eyethu Lifestyle Centre in Soweto on August 2.
The event will feature artists such as Joe Nina, Thebe, DJ Sbu, Spikiri, Jakarumba, DJ Cleo, DJ Ganyani, Ma-E and more.
Sbu told TshisaLIVE the celebration, inspired by the release of his 2023 album, will bring kwaito legends and rising stars featured on the album together under one roof to showcase the genre's power, evolution and enduring relevance.
'The reason I am doing this event is because even though the album was nominated for the Sama Awards in 2024, I feel like there is still much more to be done with it,' he said.
More than just a concert, the event aims to be a cultural experience blending nostalgia with purpose. From live performances and branded activations to social impact campaigns, Sbu is turning the spotlight not just on himself but on the kwaito movement's past, present and future.
The event will also honour 30 years of kwaito in South Africa, with a musical theatre project in the works to celebrate the genre's roots and how it has influenced modern sounds like amapiano. Sbu's 2021 release Amalawyer Reloaded, a amapiano reimagining of his breakout hit, is proof kwaito's DNA is still alive in today's music.
Today Sbu continues to mentor young talent, offering them a platform — just as he was once offered.
'I was able to crack into the music industry with help from legends. Now it's my turn to return the favour.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
'Married by best friend': Inside Springbok Vincent Tshituka's wedding
Springbok Vincent Tshituka and his new wife Katlego Monare are sharing a look inside their wedding day, which took place over the weekend. The DRC-born rugby star and his influencer bride have been dating since 2022, when he 'slid into her DMs'. Earlier this month, Vincent made his green and gold debut against Italy at Loftus. This follows the Department of Home Affairs officially granting both him and his fellow rugby-playing brother Emmanuel Tshituka their smart ID cards. On their joint TikTok account, Vincent Tshituka and Katlego Monare – a North-West University graduate – have been sharing content about their wedding day. In one clip, the couple introduce themselves as Mr and Mrs Tshituka at their reception. Another shows Katlego putting the finishing touches on her strapless white wedding dress. The video's title was 'Took this before walking down the aisle to marry my best friend.' @vncnt_ktlg Content loading 🎥 ♬ original sound – V&K @vncnt_ktlg Took this before walking down the aisle to get married to my best friend 😍 #vinceandkatgetmarried ♬ what falling in love feels like x turning page – alex Later, Katlego changed into a champagne gown with a matching shawl. Vincent also wore two looks, a three-piece suit for his wedding ceremony and a more casual look for his reception. The couple also showed off their wedding entertainment – showing off their moves on the dance floor. 'One minute you're in her DMs, and the next moment you're dancing with your best friend at your wedding', read the sweet caption, written by Vincent Tshituka. @vncnt_ktlg Fairytales do exist! #love #wedding #husbandandwife #marriage #firstdance ♬ original sound – Mason Blake In November last year, Vincent Tshituka and Katlego Monare celebrated their lobola negotiations with a ceremony merging their Congolese and South African cultures. The Springbok also posted a screenshot of a DM he had sent to his partner in 2022. In it, the brazen rugby player stated his intentions to marry the beautiful woman. 'I'll come back to this in a couple of years to see', she jokingly responded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Herald
21 hours ago
- The Herald
Lira's homecoming to headline 10th Business Premium Jazz Festival on Heirtage Day
Thikho Events is pulling out all the stops for this year's Business Premium Jazz Festival, and has secured Lira as the headline act for what promises to be a historic and emotional return to her hometown. Taking place on September 24, Lira's homecoming will mark the acclaimed singer's first major performance in Ekurhuleni since her widely publicised health challenges. The moment carries weight not only as a musical comeback but as a celebration of resilience, identity, and cultural pride in time for National Heritage Day. The 10th edition of the Business Premium Jazz Festival will transform a premium Ekurhuleni venue into a vibrant cultural hub, uniting fans from across Mzansi in song, style and spirit. True to this year's traditional theme, festivalgoers are encouraged to don their finest traditional attire, feast on local cuisine and experience a full cultural showcase, including indigenous storytelling, craft markets and live performances. Lira, whose soul-stirring voice and magnetic presence have made her a household name in South Africa and beyond, will headline a star-studded lineup of local music greats. Though full artist details remain under wraps, insiders hinted some of SA's most respected live performers will share the stage. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Richard Ramudzuli, head of Thikho Events, said the festival was about more than entertainment. 'This homecoming is not only about music. It's a celebration of strength, identity and the beauty of coming full circle,' he said. 'Having Lira return to perform in her hometown on Heritage Day is deeply meaningful. It's a moment of healing, pride, and joy, not only for her but for thousands who have been inspired by her journey. We want the event to echo through Ekurhuleni and across South Africa as a symbol of hope and cultural pride.' More than 3,000 guests are expected to attend the event, which also aims to drive local tourism and ignite economic activity in the region. Organisers said the festival plays a vital role in positioning Ekurhuleni as a rising capital of local arts and music. The event will be amplified with wide media coverage thanks to partners BET Africa and Primedia Broadcasting, ensuring Lira's homecoming reaches fans across TV, radio, digital, and outdoor platforms throughout Gauteng.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Lira's homecoming to headline 10th Business Premium Jazz Festival on Heirtage Day
Thikho Events is pulling out all the stops for this year's Business Premium Jazz Festival, and has secured Lira as the headline act for what promises to be a historic and emotional return to her hometown. Taking place on September 24, Lira's homecoming will mark the acclaimed singer's first major performance in Ekurhuleni since her widely publicised health challenges. The moment carries weight not only as a musical comeback but as a celebration of resilience, identity, and cultural pride in time for National Heritage Day. The 10th edition of the Business Premium Jazz Festival will transform a premium Ekurhuleni venue into a vibrant cultural hub, uniting fans from across Mzansi in song, style and spirit. True to this year's traditional theme, festivalgoers are encouraged to don their finest traditional attire, feast on local cuisine and experience a full cultural showcase, including indigenous storytelling, craft markets and live performances. Lira, whose soul-stirring voice and magnetic presence have made her a household name in South Africa and beyond, will headline a star-studded lineup of local music greats. Though full artist details remain under wraps, insiders hinted some of SA's most respected live performers will share the stage. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Richard Ramudzuli, head of Thikho Events, said the festival was about more than entertainment. 'This homecoming is not only about music. It's a celebration of strength, identity and the beauty of coming full circle,' he said. 'Having Lira return to perform in her hometown on Heritage Day is deeply meaningful. It's a moment of healing, pride, and joy, not only for her but for thousands who have been inspired by her journey. We want the event to echo through Ekurhuleni and across South Africa as a symbol of hope and cultural pride.' More than 3,000 guests are expected to attend the event, which also aims to drive local tourism and ignite economic activity in the region. Organisers said the festival plays a vital role in positioning Ekurhuleni as a rising capital of local arts and music. The event will be amplified with wide media coverage thanks to partners BET Africa and Primedia Broadcasting, ensuring Lira's homecoming reaches fans across TV, radio, digital, and outdoor platforms throughout Gauteng.
