The Galleria Conference & Events venue was jam packed with celebrities who wore stunning their black tie best on the red carpet, out to celebrate South Africa’s Grammy winners, old and new. The new Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa celebrated recipients such as the late Miriam Makeba who was the first ever South African to win a Grammy, five time Grammy winners; Ladysmith Black Mambazo, three-time Grammy winners – the Soweto Gospel Choir, Black Coffee, Zakes Bantwini, Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode. For some reason, we did not see Manana there nor any mention of his name.

Hosted by TV Presenter Minnie Dlamini, the ‘Celebrating Our Own’ gala dinner was intended to recognise South African Grammy Award winners since 1965. 

We caught up with the recent Grammy Award winner Nomcebo Zikode and here’s what she had to say about the event. “We often speak about how artists deserve their flowers while they are still alive and this was a great way to put those words into action. There’s a decent amount of talent in South Africa that hasn’t even been uncovered yet and seeing initiatives like this means we are now moving in the right direction.” The Jerusalema hitmaker highlighted that this initiative of honouring the creative sector is opening new doors for new artists while also acknowledging and celebrating the creatives who never got any chance to be celebrated.

Minister Kodwa said that the event was a stepping stone for the Sports, Arts and Culture Department. During his speech, he also mentioned that talks with stakeholders in the arts and creative space are at an advanced stage as the department was planning on hosting its own awards in order to celebrate their talent in South Africa. We’re definitely here for it. “The event will not only recognise the Grammy Awards winners but will also acknowledge those who received Grammy nominations as artists making inroads at a global stage exporting South African music and culture to the world and other forms of arts. Furthermore, also elaborating on the mandate of the department and government on our gains of democracy,” so said the department.

Spotted on the red carpet was our very own editor in chief and PR Specialist at Azania Public Bonnie Meslane, multimedia entrepreneurs Boity, Pamela Mtanga and Kayise Ngula. DJs Spectacular and Naves, Media Practitioner in the Presidency Athi Geleba, Oskido, fashion designer Gert Johan Coetzee, Maskandi singer Khuzani Mpungose, veteran actor Vusi Thanda and the adept singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka amongst others. From bold suits to glittering dresses, everyone was turning heads.

The main ceremony featured incredible performances by the likes of Sjava, Mafikizolo, Thandiswa Mazwai, Nomcebo Zikode, Simmy, Vusi Nova, Soweto Choir, Wouter Kellerman and more.