Beloved Musicians May Be Gone But Not Forgotten: KZN Memoriam Music Concert to Honour Local Legends
The music community in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is set to come together in a heartfelt celebration of remembrance at the inaugural KZN Memoriam Music Concert, dedicated to paying tribute to some of the province’s dearly departed musical icons. This poignant event will take place at Max’s Lifestyle in Umlazi, south of Durban, on Saturday, 14 June 2025.
The concert is designed to honour the legacies of beloved artists whose contributions have left an indelible mark on South African music. Among those to be remembered are reggae legend Lucky Dube from Newcastle, gospel powerhouse Deborah Fraser from KwaMashu, maskandi star Mgqumeni Khumalo from Nquthu, and the late Big Nuz members Sibusiso “R Mashesha” Khomo and Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, both from Umlazi.
Event organisers emphasise that while they hope to remember more stars in future editions, this first concert focuses on those whose families have granted permission to celebrate their lives and careers.
Phindile Zulu of Thingoluhle Events, the driving force behind the concert, explained that the main purpose of the event is to ensure these fallen heroes are never forgotten.
“We want them to always be remembered and also want their contribution to the music industry to be remembered. Time will be dedicated during the concert to pay tribute to them, reminding people about their influence and legacy,” said Zulu.
To honour the artists, musicians performing at the event will cover songs made famous by the late stars, giving fans and the community a chance to celebrate their music in a deeply meaningful way.
The concert’s star-studded line-up includes local favourites such as gqom sensation Babes Wodumo, kwaito veteran Danger, the remaining members of Big Nuz, amapiano hitmaker Kelvin Momo, and gospel singer Nontokozo Mkhize. Although no maskandi musicians are listed on the line-up, organisers have ensured that a DJ will spin classic maskandi tracks, keeping the spirit of the genre alive throughout the evening.
The KZN Memoriam Music Concert represents a vital opportunity for fans and fellow artists to come together, reflect, and celebrate the rich musical heritage of the province. As the community gathers in Umlazi this June, the event promises to be a moving homage to the talent and spirit of KZN’s musical legends who continue to inspire generations.
This celebration of music and memory underlines that while these stars may be gone, their legacy and impact remain very much alive in the hearts of their fans and the culture they helped shape.
