The Joseph Shabalala Foundation, alongside Mrs Thokozile Shabalala, wife of the late legendary musician Dr Joseph Shabalala, has publicly distanced itself from the African Icons Tribute Concert organised by Lebo M Productions.
This event was announced recently, intended to honour the late maestro's extraordinary contributions to South African music.
In a statement released to Saturday Star, the family expressed deep appreciation for the sentiment behind the concert and acknowledged the efforts made to celebrate Shabalala’s remarkable legacy.
However, they highlighted significant concerns regarding the lack of proper communication and protocols in the event's planning stages.
The Foundation emphasised that they were neither consulted nor informed prior to the announcement of the tribute concert scheduled for Saturday, 20 September 2025, at Nu Metro VIP Cinemas, Ballito Junction, in collaboration with Ukhozi FM.
“As the official custodian of Dr Shabalala’s name, image, and legacy, the Foundation was not provided the opportunity to review or approve this event,” the statement read. “This absence of formal engagement represents a blatant disregard for the processes that protect his intellectual property and legacy.”
The family raised concerns that the public might be misled into believing the Foundation had sanctioned the concert, which they firmly reiterated was not the case.
In a bid to preserve Dr Shabalala’s memory, the Foundation remains committed to honouring him with the dignity and respect he deserves. They insisted that all legitimate tributes must respect due processes and engage fully with the appropriate channels.
According to the event details surrounding the planned tribute, following the launch event, a Heritage Day Tribute Concert is set to take place on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, at the Durban Playhouse.
The concert has promised to showcase performances from South Africa’s top artists, including Big Zulu, Khuzani, Blaq Diamond, Sjava, and Boity Thulo, among others, all hosted by MC Minnie Dlamini. It aims to celebrate Shabalala’s artistry, which took South African music from the streets of Ladysmith to the world’s biggest stages, earning multiple Grammy Awards in the process.
The event's promotional materials, “With Honouring Joseph Shabalala, Lebo M has created a platform to celebrate Shabalala’s influence and preserve African heritage through music, storytelling, and live performance.”
The Foundation's concerns suggest that careful consideration is required to ensure that the legacy of Dr Shabalala is handled with the care it rightfully deserves.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za