6 days ago
Madala Kunene gifted R50k by KZN sport, arts and culture department
Celebrated jazz musician Madala Kunene was honoured at this year's Ugu Jazz Festival in Gamalakhe on Saturday.
The festival made a return after a five-year break with renowned stars including Zonke Dikana, Mondli Ngcobo, Amu Faku, DJ Bruce and DJ Happy Girl on the stage.
Madala, who was on a break due to health reasons, took to the stage to perform on the night and was handed a lifetime achievement award and a R50,000 cheque by the KwaZulu-Natal sport, arts and culture department.
'I've been honoured in the past, but this is the first time the award comes with a cash prize. I thank the organisers and the KZN government,' said Madala.
'As we close Youth Month, I'd like to plead with the youth to respect their elders and with men never to abuse women.'
More than 2,000 fans attended the relaunch of one of the South Coast's signature events on the entertainment calendar.
Event organiser Siyabonga Msomi of Coolsound Trading thanked fans for a successful event.
'We had expected a low turnout given the short time we had to put everything together and because it was a relaunch. It shows that people had been patiently waiting for the festival's revival. The real work begins now. We will take the feedback we've received and use it to prepare for 2026.'
