In the vibrant heart of Johannesburg, the Phambili Siyaya Arts organization and Joburg Theatre are set to pay tribute to the remarkable Abigail Kubeka, a legendary figure in the South African entertainment industry. On August 17th, the city will come alive as they celebrate the illustrious 67-year career of this iconic singer and actress, according to Daily Sun.
Mam’ Abigail, as she is affectionately known, has graced the international stage with her captivating performances in productions such as “King Kong,” “Ain’t No Misbehaving,” and “Best Whorehouse in Texas.” Her talent has also extended to collaborations with renowned South African musicians, including projects like “Our Father,” “Ma’s Got the Blues,” “Amen,” and “What Happened to Mbuyisa?”
As the world celebrates Women’s Month, Mam’ Abigail expressed her humility and honor in being recognized for her remarkable achievements. “Gone are the days when women were limited to the kitchen. We’ve demonstrated that we’re able to deliver across different industries. We must be reminded that oppression of women still exists in different forms. The struggle continues,” she said, reflecting on the strides made by women in various fields.
The 84-year-old star’s life has been a witness to the transformative journey of South Africa. She vividly recounts the moment when the release of Nelson Mandela was announced, where she was performing in “Ain’t Misbehaving” in Hillbrow. “The cast stopped the performance halfway and celebrated. Not even the producers and director could stop the excitement,” she recalled, highlighting the profound impact of that historic moment.
Mam’ Abigail’s career has spanned through both the oppressive and the liberated eras of South Africa’s history. She poignantly reflects on the impact of the 1976 uprisings, where “schoolchildren who were peacefully marching against Afrikaans, ended up violently mowed down by gunfire,” a painful reminder of the struggles faced by the arts community during those tumultuous times.
However, the actress also acknowledges the progress made, stating, “In 1994, we saw freedom. In 2024, people are disillusioned. They no longer trust. This is when we need to reflect on where we got it wrong and self-correct. We have a beautiful country. There’ll come a time when we’ll have to work together and agree on how we move our country forward.”
The tribute event at the Joburg Theatre promises to be a spectacular celebration of Mam’ Abigail’s legacy. It will feature performances by an impressive lineup of artists, including Brenda Mtambo, Judy Page, Marah Louw, Mdu Masilela, Trompies, Lira, and Simmy, among others. These artists represent the diverse tapestry of South African music and the strides made by women in the entertainment industry.
Themba Sithole, the producer of the show, expressed his profound honor in working on this event, stating, “Mam’ Abi represents the Kofifi era, which was glamorous and exciting but also masked a life of pain and suffering. Performers had to fight hard to be recognised for their craft. Performers reflect the same resilience and strength in their respective fields. They remind us to never give up.”
The presence of artists like Lira and the kwaito revolutionaries Trompies symbolize the enduring spirit of South African music and the resilience of the arts community. Simmy and Brenda’s participation signify the remarkable progress made by women in the industry, proving that their voices and talents can no longer be silenced.
As the nation gathers to honor Mam’ Abigail Kubeka, it is a testament to the power of the arts to transcend time and inspire generations. This tribute celebrates not only the life and legacy of an iconic performer but also the indomitable spirit of South African creativity, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
