WeeklySA_AdminHERITAGE: Sounds of Legends, a three-city celebration of SA’s musical heritage kicks off in Alexandra on December 20, in tribute to the artists who inspired him and carried the nation through its darkest years…
By Priscilla Malinga
Sbu MaLawyer of Malawyer Entertainment is set to honour the musical legends who shaped South Africa’s soundtrack during the apartheid era with a new three-city concert series titled Sounds of Legends.
The tour celebrates bravery, heritage, and the timeless sound of artists who kept music alive through the struggle years. The inaugural event will take place at KwaBhekilanga Stadium in Alexandra on December 20, followed by a theatrical music showcase at the BAT Centre in Durban on December 28, and a New Year opener at Es’godleni African Lifestyle in Witbank on January 3.
Both the Johannesburg and Durban editions carry a “Vintage” theme, encouraging attendees to dress in classic, old-school styles that pay homage to “oldies but goodies.”
The tour coincides with the release of Sbu MaLawyer’s latest album, “Mgazi”, which reveals a side of the artist that audiences have rarely seen. The project traces his formative years and theatrical roots, offering a departure from his well-known Kwaito sound. Fans will get the first live performances of his two new singles, “Ngiyababonga” and “Ubungekho,” both deeply influenced by his background in theatre.
MaLawyer has partnered with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture to honour South African musical greats from different eras. The Johannesburg show will feature a powerful line-up including Zama Jobe, MXO, Brian Temba, La’Sauce, Quality Biyela, and Bheki Nqoko, who will pay tribute to icons such as Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, Brenda Fassie, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Harari, Bheki Ngcobo, Jabu Khanyile and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse while also performing their own hits.
The Durban showcase will include performances by Naima Kay, Mfiliseni Magubane (of Sarafina! fame), Mbarly Adams, Lona B, Bheki Nqoko, and Madlanduna, son of the late Maskandi legend Bhekumuzi Luthuli, along with emerging artists.
“Fresh from the success of the Kwaito Legends 25-Year Celebration, I reflected on how I became a musician in the first place,” MaLawyer said.
His single “Ngiyababonga” is a heartfelt tribute to those who stood by him during hard times. He acknowledges the significant role Mdu Masilela played in opening industry doors for him, despite past disagreements. He also honours his late friend Themba Mthombothi, who supported him through personal struggles before tragically dying in a car accident along with his family, as well as his father.
MaLawyer’s theatrical influences, shaped by mentors Mbongeni Ngema and Gibson Kente, shine through on the new album. He describes the project as a reclamation of a path he once aspired to follow—acting and theatre—before life steered him fully into music.
From the age of 16, he immersed himself in soul and jazz, listening to Stimela, Incognito, Sipho Gumede and others. The late Robbie Malinga used to remark that Sbu should have been a jazz artist. International greats such as Bob James, Jamiroquai, Miles Davis, Pieces of a Dream and Marcus Miller also shaped his musical sensibilities, often surprising his TKZee colleagues, who thought he was making up names until he proved otherwise.
The influence of those artists can be heard even in hits like “Mporomporoma,” which he crafted with Robbie Malinga.
Sounds of Legends promises a journey through love, unity, hope, and perseverance — a celebration led by musicians who kept South Africa’s spirit alive through music. MaLawyer hopes the tour will ignite ongoing opportunities for artists and inspire the next generation of performers.
