SA: 2019 Mbokodo Awards announce winners

The awards are intended to recognise women who have shown leadership, fostered growth and made efforts in strengthening the arts.

Msaki and Sho Madjozi took home the Music and Traditional & Indigenous Arts awards respectively. Khanyisile Mthethwa triumphed in the Opera category while Buhle Ngaba emerged as the winner of the Rising Light Award.

Barbara Ann Lindop and Gabi Lowe were honoured with Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian awards respectively.

“I am completely surprised and thrilled,” Khanyisile Mthethwa told Music In Africa. “I really didn't expect to win the Opera category.”

Msaki said: “I am very honoured because this is a sensitive time for me in my career. I am still figuring out my voice and to be recognised while I am still searching is a big deal. I really appreciate this.”

Mbokodo Awards adjudication panel chairperson and veteran radio personality Shado Twala said: “The Mbokodo Awards for women in the arts honour these women who bare their souls to heal our wounded society. It is through our meditation on their craft that we find meaning in our challenges and hope for resolution. It is also comforting to discover that this consciousness has spread across generations, as is evident with our nominees this year. Congratulations to all our winners tonight.”

Mbokodo Awards convenor and producer Carol Bouwer said: “The honour of gathering with like-minded people whose sole preoccupation is the quest to make our nation better is one I covet and cherish with my being. To do that tonight in honour of so many who do that daily through their talents and through their mindful acts is an even bigger reward.

“I wish to acknowledge the audacious task undertaken by our chair to get us to tonight, my fellow adjudicators, the women and men who send us considered thoughts on whose work to go see through the year and the generous scouts who go unpaid mostly.”

Below is the full list of winners:

Music

• Msaki

Traditional and Indigenous Arts

• Sho Madjozi

Opera

• Khanyisile Mthethwa

Rising Light

• Buhle Ngaba

Visual Arts

• Billie Zangewa

Literature

• Sisonke Msimang

Theatre

• Natasha Sutherland

Humanitarian Award

• Gabi Lowe

Architecture and Design

• Laura Windvogel (Lady Skollie)

Women in Media

• Kate Turkington

Film

• Goapie Kabe

Lifetime Achievement

• Barbara Ann Lindop