Lifetime Achiever Award
KwaZulu-Natal-born filmmaker Angus Gibson, one of South Africa's most influential and enduring cinematic voices, was honoured with the Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela Lifetime Achiever Award, capping off a decades-long career that has helped shape the nation's visual storytelling landscape.
Gibson was presented the award at a glittering event yesterday evening at Durban's International Convention Centre.
Presented by the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, the awards are KwaZulu-Natal's premier celebration of excellence in film and television.
Now in their 11th year, the awards recognise outstanding contributions across more than 20 categories, including best feature film, best director, best actor/actress, best documentary and best student film - all with a focus on KwaZulu-Natal talent and productions filmed in the province.
Gibson has been the director behind Yizo Yizo, Mandela, Isibaya, and Shaka iLembe. He was honoured not just for his artistic achievements, but for his contribution to the cultural and historical record of South Africa.
'I first lived in a house with a sea view that stretched from the Bluff to Umhlanga. What I did not see was KwaMashu not far behind my Durban North house, or the traditional Zulu world beyond those canefields. I became curious about the spaces I did not see and in a way I have ended up telling the stories of the spaces that were shut out from my view as a young person.'
'The cane cutters on the weekend would beat their drums virtually the whole night… the sound was enigmatic and made me curious about the Zulu world and culture,'he recalled.
For Gibson, receiving the province's top film honour was not just aprofessional milestone - it was personal.
'For the last 12 years, with both Isibaya and Shaka iLembe, we have been immersed in a Zulu world, so it is from the KZN audience that we most want approval. This award is an affirmation that makes me very happy.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Mlindo The Vocalist releases his long-awaited album on Mandela Day as a way of ‘giving back'
Mlindo The Vocalist released his long-awaited album 'Uhambo The Journey' on Mandela Day. Mlindo The Vocalist has released a new album, Uhambio, The Journey. Picture: Mlindo the After being unsatisfied with the mixing of two songs, Mlindo The Vocalist decided to push back the release date of his album from June to July. Mandela Day seemed the right time to give his fans the music they've long been waiting for. 'When we moved it to July I just thought since the 18th is Mandela Day, it's about giving back to the community…and people have been asking for the album, so I thought why not,' Mlindo The Vocalist tells The Citizen. The musician also went into the community to do charity work in Alexandra together with other artists, for Mandela Day. Real name Lindokuhle Mgedezi, the 29-year-old singer-songwriter released his third studio album, Uhambo The Journey. The title refers to Mlindo's past few years, during which he took a step back from the limelight to focus on himself. 'I took a break in music to focus on myself as a person because sometime you can get lost as a person in this industry,' shares Mlindo. ALSO READ: 'It's a kiss; there was no nudity': L-Tido responds after YouTube restricts episode visibility Mlindo dealing with fame Mlindo released his debut album Emakhaya in 2018. The album was certified platinum by RiSA and it racked up almost 45 million streams just under a year after its release. Emakhaya is the most-streamed album by a South African solo artist on Spotify. This saw him experience resounding success at just the age of 23, which attracted bad company, he said. At the height of his career, Mlindo had one of his lowest moments when he went viral for being drunk and struggling to perform on stage at a 2020 gig in Tshwane, where he says one of his close friends put something in his drink. 'The time when I got spiked, that was the hardest thing to deal with. It was something that was not in my control… it's like they were teaching me a lesson or something. I thought I was accepting a drink from a friend, it was out of love from my side, however, they were on another mission,' he says. Reflecting on that period of his life, he says he would have probably handled things differently if he had had a mentor. 'I think it was a mentorship thing. I didn't have the right people to advise me at the time,' he said. Mlindo received support from industry peers, such as Sjava and Somizi, during his time away, who would call to check on his well-being. 'I'm grateful for that and I wish they continue doing that for other young artists who have just come into the industry because it's not easy when you're alone.' 'I'm grown now, I've learnt my lessons. The love of music is still there…but more than anything, I have grown over the last few years.' Part of those lessons was mending his relationship with DJ Maphorisa, with whom he had a fallout. The pair's dispute stemmed from accusations of betrayal and backstabbing, with Maphorisa claiming Mlindo and his manager cut him out of a deal. 'Maphorisa and I got on a call, and we ironed things out. I told him I had no issues with him, and all that was said didn't come from me,' shares Mlindo. ALSO READ: WATCH: 'Come get me, I am not above the law' — Kelly Khumalo hits back at Advocate Teffo's Senzo Meyiwa murder claims Music Even during his sabbatical, Mlindo's debut album remained in the top ten most-streamed albums in South African. 'I'm grateful to the people who stream the music. This made me feel good about myself, that the music we made was timeless. To actually go through those years, where other people were releasing music but we're still in the top 10 most streamed albums since 2018-it really motivated me,' Mlindo said. 'The music is helping people. We don't just make music for clubs, but we make music that heals people with things they're going through.' During his adversity, Mlindo was listening to a variety of music to help him heal. 'I could say Simphiwe Dana played a role, Sjava's music and a lot of Sun-El Musician's music. Also, something that I never listened to growing up but that I stared listening to a lot was gospel music,' he shared. He adds that Dana's Zandisile album from 2004 is one he listens to a lot. 'It's been on my playlist since lockdown and it remains there.' Mlindo says listening to Zandisile inspired the direction of his new album, which has more live music. 'I was experimenting with a lot of different sounds. In terms of the message, it's still like the Mlindo that fans love, but in terms of sound, there's improvement because I was going for something with a North African feel.' NOW READ: Lauryn Hill and sons to headline 12th edition of Delicious Festival
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Lifetime Achiever Award
Veteran filmmaker Angus Gibson stands proudly at the Umhlanga pier, holding his Lifetime Achiever Award received at the prestigious Simon Sabela Awards ceremony — a tribute to his enduring impact on South African storytelling and cinema. KwaZulu-Natal-born filmmaker Angus Gibson, one of South Africa's most influential and enduring cinematic voices, was honoured with the Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela Lifetime Achiever Award, capping off a decades-long career that has helped shape the nation's visual storytelling landscape. Gibson was presented the award at a glittering event yesterday evening at Durban's International Convention Centre. Presented by the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, the awards are KwaZulu-Natal's premier celebration of excellence in film and television. Now in their 11th year, the awards recognise outstanding contributions across more than 20 categories, including best feature film, best director, best actor/actress, best documentary and best student film - all with a focus on KwaZulu-Natal talent and productions filmed in the province. Gibson has been the director behind Yizo Yizo, Mandela, Isibaya, and Shaka iLembe. He was honoured not just for his artistic achievements, but for his contribution to the cultural and historical record of South Africa. 'I first lived in a house with a sea view that stretched from the Bluff to Umhlanga. What I did not see was KwaMashu not far behind my Durban North house, or the traditional Zulu world beyond those canefields. I became curious about the spaces I did not see and in a way I have ended up telling the stories of the spaces that were shut out from my view as a young person.' 'The cane cutters on the weekend would beat their drums virtually the whole night… the sound was enigmatic and made me curious about the Zulu world and culture,'he recalled. For Gibson, receiving the province's top film honour was not just aprofessional milestone - it was personal. 'For the last 12 years, with both Isibaya and Shaka iLembe, we have been immersed in a Zulu world, so it is from the KZN audience that we most want approval. This award is an affirmation that makes me very happy.'
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Durban July 2025: Local artists elevate their brands on the big stage
Durban July 2025: Local artists elevate their brands on the big stage The Durban July weekend featured a range of local talent, with Thembisa artists representing their brands on the grand stage. Hectic, Siya and Vikk The Groove joined Johnnie Walker to experience the vibrant atmosphere, embracing the chance to mingle, learn and share their craft. Victor Vukeya, known as 'Vikk The Groove', described the event as an opportunity to transcend being just a stage performer and evolve into a brand. ALSO READ: Thembisa artist moves up in the world of entertainment 'Collaborating with Johnnie Walker Blonde was the perfect mix for me. Everything about the experience radiated fun, fashion, vibes and, of course, Blonde moments. Being there with my team at that perfect time was incredible. I'm looking forward to next year.' Vukeya's standout moment was the Boomtown Experience 2025, where Sjava stole the show, in his view. He also fondly recalled his debut set at the Perere Durban marquee. 'The Perere Marquee was my favourite. The celestial decor and homegrown vibe reminded me of home. 'It's clear the time is now; we're rubbing shoulders with the elites, and soon, we'll be the elites. 'This experience elevates me, allowing me to navigate stardom and position myself alongside industry leaders I hope to work with closely in the future. ALSO READ: Local youngster aims to make waves in entertainment 'Glory be to God for this opportunity. Huge thanks to Orchardon25 and Johnnie Walker Blonde for making it happen.' Siyabonga Nkosi shared how interacting with different people broadened his perspective on the industry. 'I'm a people person. Being in Durban was a new space for me, and I had the best time of my life. It was a challenge to interact with so many different folks, but I aced it. 'The Marvels of Mzansi theme was announced only three days before, so I improvised and wore what I felt comfortable in. I guess I was the marvel. 'My highlight was being invited to Durban and receiving VIP treatment. That showed growth in what we do and that we're taken seriously,' Nkosi added. ALSO READ: Tembisa Red Devils celebrate 20 years in entertainment Hectic Nkayane reflected on the up-close experience of the Durban July. 'Witnessing the fashion and the excitement around the horse races was unforgettable. 'I kept my outfit simple, representing the Marvels of Mzansi (iBince) with formal attire inspired by Zulu heritage. What better way to celebrate Zulu culture than wearing traditional attire on Zulu land?' Nkayane's favourite marquees were the Perere by Gushima and the Makubenjalo marquee, which reminded him of the township groove we cherish in Thembisa. 'Being in that space was a privilege, rubbing shoulders with fashion designers, influencers, TV and radio personalities and event co-ordinators. 'I even bumped into DJ Fresh at Boomtown, who told me, 'You are moving in the right direction, keep pushing'. That recognition from huge brands means our work is making an impact, sometimes without us even realising it. I believe we did an impeccable job and hope to be regulars at the event,' Nkayane said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
