Dorothy Masuka to celebrate 80th birthday with live chat

Masuka, fondly referred to as Mam’ D, has performed on every continent and dined with presidents and other world leaders. Nelson Mandela named her as one of his favourite singers and she continues to inspire, for example in 2014 by being the official ambassador of the Moshito music conference and headlining the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF). Despite this, long-term financial rewards have been a challenge – as is often the case with many celebrated African-based artists.

Newtown Junction mall, a hub for culture, arts and enterprise, will bring together thought leaders and stakeholders from diverse sectors of the economy who are determined to advance social cohesion through economic empowerment. Masuka will discuss her work and life as an entrepreneur  in the music industry, in which she has achieved great success and renown across the African Continent and the world. She will be in conversation with acclaimed arts Journalist, writer and broadcaster Karabo Kgoleng. This celebration dialogue will also focus on how artists can conduct their calling as a lucrative profession and stream of entrepreneurship.

To honour this queen of African music, SAMA-winning singer-songwriter Nomsa Mazwai (aka Nomisupasta), one of South Africa’s most talented artists, will take to the stage alongside Nigerian virtuoso jazz bassist and composer Olamide Timothy, completing what is sure to be a dazzling and inspiring evening.

The event is hosted by Newtown Junction mall, the Africans for Africa network and Skills Village 2030. The Entrepreneur Connect Africa (ECAfrica) Network, a collective of creative influencers and marketers who are going digital with creative entrepreneurship, will be in attendance, bringing their expert opinion to the discussion. "The power of entrepreneurship in a digital era is exciting and offers champions who believe in positively exploring, using technology to its advantage to tell great African stories will advance how we share knowledge. The privilege to hear Mam Dorothy share her experiences is exciting," said Vanessa Perumal, MD of JT Communication Solutions and architect of Africans for Africa and Entrepreneur Connect.

"As the new hub in the inner city we are delighted to be creating multi purposed retail spaces in Johannesburg to celebrate legacy and heritage. Hosting Dorothy Masuka on her 80th birthday is an honour and part of our vision to actively support arts, culture, heritage and entrepreneurship," said Michael Clampett of Attacq Limited, one of the companies behind Newtown Junction.

Janet Landey of Skills Village 2030 added: "This event is an opportunity for social inclusion, cohesion and integration. By honouring living legends in platforms like these events, we hope will be part of a solution where the legends themselves become beneficiaries.”

The discussion takes place on Wednesday 23 September from 6pm at 100 Carr Street in Newtown, Johannesburg.