'This is love': Dr Rebecca Malope moved to tears at the Basadi in Music Awards

Multi-award-winning gospel artist Dr Rebecca Malope continues to receive flowers for her contribution and impact on the South African entertainment industry.

At the fourth Basadi In Music Awards, the legendary musician received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented to Malope by Hloni Modise-Matau and her longtime friend and legendary musician Linah Ngcobo, who was honoured the previous year.

Award-winning musician Ntokozo Mbambo brought Malope to her feet as she sang a medley of the gospel icons' greatest hits. Malope was surprised by the performance and told the audience that Mbambo is her favourite artist. “She did amazing”.

The 57-year-old was brought to tears as a video played that celebrated her journey from how she entered the entertainment industry, when she won talent search competition "Shell Road to Fame".

Moments from her career played as her industry friends and colleagues paid tribute to her journey. In her acceptance speech, Malope reflected on what it means to her to be celebrated at home and went on to acknowledge how far women have come in the once male-dominated industry.

“Thank you so much. It's an honour, really humbling to receive this award from you guys. This is love, now I know how much I am loved in my country. 

“Looking back, we came into this industry where it was male-dominated, but today, here we have voices. We are our own bosses today and we pay their rents, we hire them and pay them salaries.”

Malope was left speechless, and did not write a speech for the big moment but thanked South Africans for allowing her into their homes, buying her music and putting her on the globe. “They still behind me, they still put bread on my table. Thank you South Africa.”

IOL Entertainment