Renowned singer Thebe Mogane celebrated a significant milestone in his career over the weekend as he received his first-ever music award.
The revelation that Thebe had never been recognized for his contributions to the music industry left many people astonished.
However, during his electrifying performance at the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival, emotions ran high as he expressed his gratitude for the honor.
Thebe was presented with a Basha Uhuru Legacy Award, recognizing his remarkable impact on the music industry.
He became the second recipient of this prestigious award, following Mandla Spikiri, who received it last year.
Amidst cheers and applause from the crowd, Thebe acknowledged his supporters and humbly revealed, “This is my first ever award. I have never won anything before.”
The statement left the audience with mixed emotions, touched by the realization that Thebe’s talent had not been previously acknowledged.
According to a source present at the festival, Thebe has been overlooked in the industry despite being one of the pioneers of dance music.
The source close to Thebe revealed that it used to bother him, but over time, he made peace with the situation.
The source further shared, “Saturday was special—he even cried backstage. He could not contain himself; he was too emotional.”
Born as Thebe Mogane in Polokwane, Limpopo, in 1973, the married father of three initially pursued a career in sound engineering, aiming to work behind the scenes in the music industry.
However, fate had other plans for him. While living with producer Bruce Sebitlo and working as a club DJ, Thebe and Bruce composed songs to be played in clubs by their friends, without actively seeking a record deal.
It was during one of these club nights that Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa, a renowned DJ, heard their songs and was immediately impressed.
Oskido offered Thebe a record deal on the spot. Thebe’s first album, “Tempy Life,” consisted of the original demo tracks that were mixed and mastered for release.
The Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival, Johannesburg’s highly anticipated creative event, provided a platform for various immersive experiences and artistic expressions during its 2023 edition.
The festival, established in 2012, commemorates the memory of the youth who fought in the struggle during the 1976 Soweto Uprising, granting today’s youth the freedom to explore their creativity and express themselves freely.
The lineup for this year’s festival included an array of local stars and legends, with Thebe Mogane among the performers.
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Notable names such as DJ Zinhle, Kwesta, Samthing Soweto, Shekhinah, and many more graced the main stage, while a lineup of talented DJs ensured a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event.
Constitution Hill’s CEO, Don Robertson, expressed pride in hosting the 2023 Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival as their flagship Youth Month Event.
The festival allowed attendees to celebrate artistic freedom and pay homage to the legacy of the youths who played a significant role in South Africa’s struggle for freedom.
