In celebration of 100 years of Gallo Music, one of Africa’s most iconic and enduring music companies, Gallo Record Company, in partnership with the Basadi in Music Awards, is proud to honour Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai with a special Gallo Renaissance Award.
The award recognises women whose artistry, groundbreaking influence and unwavering commitment to African music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. As Gallo celebrates a century of preserving, promoting and championing African music, this special honour pays tribute to two extraordinary women whose voices have helped define South Africa’s musical identity.
For more than two decades, Simphiwe Dana has captivated audiences through her soulful voice, fearless storytelling, activism and commitment to preserving African heritage. Her music has consistently challenged convention while embracing authenticity, earning her recognition as one of South Africa’s most respected and celebrated artists.
Equally deserving of this honour is Thandiswa Mazwai, a cultural icon whose groundbreaking career has redefined contemporary African music. From her pioneering years with Bongo Maffin to her acclaimed solo recording career that started at Gallo, Thandiswa has remained unapologetically authentic, using her artistry to celebrate African identity while inspiring generations of musicians and music lovers globally.
Together, these remarkable women represent the resilience, creativity, era and excellence that the Gallo Renaissance Award was created to celebrate.
Hloni Modise Matau, Founder and CEO of the Basadi in Music Awards, said:“As we celebrate five years of the Basadi in Music Awards, it is a tremendous honour to partner with Gallo Music during such a historic milestone. One hundred years is a remarkable achievement that speaks to Gallo’s enduring contribution to African music and the countless artists whose stories it has helped preserve. Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai embody everything the Gallo Renaissance Award stands for: courage, excellence, authenticity and cultural impact. They have consistently used their voices to tell our stories, challenge boundaries and inspire generations of women across Africa. We are honoured to celebrate their extraordinary legacy.”
Antos Stella, speaking on behalf of Gallo Music, said: “For 100 years, Gallo Music has celebrated the artists whose music has become part of our nation’s story. As we mark this historic centenary, we are proud to honour Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai; two extraordinary artists whose contributions have enriched South Africa’s musical heritage and inspired audiences around the world. Their artistry, integrity and unwavering commitment to authentic African storytelling have earned them a place among our country’s greatest cultural icons. The Gallo Renaissance Award celebrates not only their remarkable careers, but the enduring legacy they continue to build for future generations.”
Dichaba Phalatse, Head of Video Entertainment Marketing at SABC2, said: “We believe in the power of storytelling to celebrate our identity and preserve our cultural heritage. Gallo Music’s 100-year legacy is a remarkable chapter in South Africa’s creative history, and it is only fitting that this milestone is commemorated by honouring two extraordinary artists whose voices have shaped our nation’s soundtrack. Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai have consistently used their artistry to tell authentic African stories with courage, depth and purpose. As the broadcast home of the Basadi in Music Awards, we are proud to partner with a platform that not only celebrates excellence but also ensures that the contributions of women in music continue to inspire audiences across South Africa and the African continent for generations to come.”
Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, Chief Executive Officer of Joburg City Theatres, said: “Joburg City Theatres is proud to provide a stage where South Africa’s cultural icons are celebrated and their stories continue to inspire future generations. As we host the fifth anniversary of the Basadi in Music Awards, it is especially meaningful to honour Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai alongside Gallo Music’s remarkable centenary. These extraordinary women have not only enriched our nation’s musical landscape but have also used their artistry to preserve our heritage, challenge convention and inspire pride in African identity. We are honoured to partner with institutions that are committed to recognising excellence, preserving our cultural legacy and ensuring that the voices of African women continue to resonate for generations to come.”
Manaileng Maphike, Managing Director of Maphike Inc., Legal Partner of the Basadi in Music Awards and Member of the Advisory Board, said: “Music has the power to preserve history, shape identity and inspire change. As we celebrate Gallo Music’s remarkable 100-year legacy, it is fitting that we honour two women whose artistry has become part of South Africa’s cultural fabric. Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai have remained fearless in their pursuit of artistic excellence, using their voices to tell authentic African stories while opening doors for generations of women who follow. The Gallo Renaissance Award is more than a recognition of achievement; it is a celebration of legacy, leadership and the enduring impact of women whose contributions will continue to influence African music for decades to come.”
The presentation of the Gallo Renaissance Award forms part of the 5th Annual Basadi in Music Awards, themed REWIND, a celebration reflecting on five years of recognising and honouring women who continue to shape the music industry.
As the Basadi in Music Awards commemorates its fifth anniversary under the campaign “Africa to the World,” this partnership with Gallo Music brings together two institutions united by a shared commitment to celebrating African excellence, preserving musical heritage and recognising the women whose contributions continue to shape the future of music on the continent.
Event Details
Basadi in Music Awards 2026
Venue: Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg
Dates: Friday, 7 August & Saturday, 8 August 2026
Tickets are available now at www.joburgtheatre.com
