Boom Shaka Honoured With Freedom Legacy Award After 30 Years in Music

Legendary kwaito group Boom Shaka has been celebrated for three decades of influence in the South African music industry. The Thobela hitmakers received the prestigious Freedom Legacy Award at the Basha Uhuru Festival on Saturday, 13 September.

The award was accepted by surviving members Thembi Seete and Theo Nhlengethwa, who dedicated it to their late bandmate, Lebo Mathosa. Thembi said the recognition was particularly meaningful because it acknowledged Lebo’s contribution to the group.

“We are honoured to receive an award carrying Lebo’s name. Boom Shaka is not complete without her. She’s part of this legacy and everything we are being celebrated for today. When we stood on that stage, I knew she was there with us in spirit, smiling and dancing the way she always did. Lebo brought so much light and energy to Boom Shaka and we will always make sure her name lives on,” Thembi said.

Theo also highlighted the role of fans in sustaining the group’s legacy. “This moment is not only about us. It’s about everyone who has ever loved Boom Shaka, bought our music, danced to our songs, and kept our legacy alive. For 30 years, people have stood with us through highs and lows, and this award shows that what we started in the 90s is still alive. We thank everyone who has supported us, and thank Basha Uhuru Festival for the recognition,” he said.

Thembi emphasised that the cultural impact of Boom Shaka outweighs any award. “Boom Shaka broke boundaries. We opened doors and made kwaito fashionable. Our music was not only about beats, but it was about giving young people a voice. That’s what makes this award powerful, as it says our contribution mattered,” she added.

The recognition cements Boom Shaka’s status as pioneers of kwaito, a genre that shaped South African youth culture in the 1990s and continues to influence music today. Their 30-year journey reflects a commitment to innovation, cultural expression, and empowering a generation through music.