Msaki, Hotstix Mabuse & Brenda Mntambo Bring Iconic Songs to Life Alongside Real Stories of Love That Endured
JOHANNESBURG – This Valentine’s Day, love gets the tribute it truly deserves. The Legacy of African Love Songs goes beyond romance to celebrate love in its fullest form – the joy of new love, the ache of separation, the resilience of those who waited, and the healing that comes full circle. On 14 February at the OR Tambo Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Msaki, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, and Brenda Mntambo will perform Africa’s most iconic love songs alongside heartwarming stories from real people who have lived through every season of love.
The concert weaves together legendary songs like Lakutshon’ilanga, Malaika, Lizzy, and Mmalo We with audio-visual stories from South Africans who have experienced love’s full journey. From the woman who watched the sun set during apartheid, waiting to see if her husband’s hat would appear among the workers returning home – and when it didn’t, searching from neighbors to hospitals to mortuaries – to stories of love that endured against all odds. These are narratives of love that remained whole even through separation, loss, and uncertainty.
“These songs have always carried more than romance – they hold our collective memory of love through every trial,” says Sibusiso Victor Masondo, renowned Musical Director, composer, arranger, bassist, producer, and curator of the production. “In a country that needs so much healing, we’re creating space to honor love in its full circle. The happiness, the heartbreak, the searching, the reunion – love endures through all seasons. That’s what these classics have always been about, and that’s what this evening will celebrate.”
Through powerful audio-visual presentations, audience members will witness real love stories from people with lived experiences – stories that mirror the themes woven into Africa’s greatest love songs. Some stories are heartwarming, others carry sadness, but all testify to love’s endurance through tribulation and trial.
Msaki, whose ethereal voice has captivated audiences globally, brings her signature emotional depth to songs that have defined love across generations. Joining her is living legend Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, a multi-instrumentalist and musical genius whose decades-spanning career makes him one of the few artists who witnessed these classics being born. Gospel and Afro-soul powerhouse Brenda Mntambo completes the lineup, adding spiritual resonance to an evening of profound meaning.
Under Masondo’s musical direction, the production features live Afro-jazz instrumentation, rich vocal harmonies, and intimate acoustic arrangements. Creative Blackground’s stage design transforms the venue with warm lighting, African-inspired visuals, and an atmosphere that honors both heritage and the complexity of human connection.
For couples and individuals seeking something deeper this Valentine’s Day, this concert offers more than entertainment – it’s a collective act of remembering, honoring, and healing through the music that has carried South Africa through generations. It celebrates not just romantic love, but the fullness of love in all its forms: enduring, searching, hoping, and ultimately, complete.
The concert is part of the Legacy Tribute series, dedicated to preserving and celebrating African heritage through world-class productions that honor cultural icons while creating space for contemporary healing and connection.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: The Legacy of African Love Songs
Date: 14 February 2026
Venue: OR Tambo Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre
Headliners: Msaki, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Brenda Mntambo
Musical Director & Curator: Sibusiso Victor Masondo
Presented by: Legacy Tribute
Created by: Isondo Music
Designed by: Creative Blackground
TICKETS & BOOKING
Three ticket categories are available,
General Access: R950 per person
VIP: R1,200 per person
VVIP: R1,500 per person
Booking: WebTicket
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS FOR TICKET HOLDERS:
• 10% discount on accommodation at Radisson OR Tambo
• 10% discount at Mangwanani Spa
For media accreditation, interviews, or high-resolution images – media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632 or 083 954 6133
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Isondo Music
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Msaki: Acclaimed for her poignant songwriting and ethereal voice, Msaki is a versatile artist whose work seamlessly blends folk, electronic, and traditional influences. Her ability to convey deep emotion makes her the perfect interpreter of love in all its seasons.
Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse: A living legend and musical genius of South African music, Mabuse’s career spans decades and includes iconic hits that defined generations. His mastery of multiple instruments and dynamic stage presence bring authenticity and power to every performance.
Brenda Mntambo: With a voice that resonates with deep spiritual and emotional power, Brenda Mntambo has earned her status as one of South Africa’s leading vocalists in gospel and Afro-soul. Her interpretation of classic love songs brings both heart and upliftment to the full circle of love.
Sibusiso Victor Masondo (Musical Director & Curator): Renowned composer, arranger, bassist, and producer, Victor Masondo is a musical genius whose work has shaped South African music for decades. His vision for this production honors the integrity of African love songs while creating space for healing and collective memory.
ABOUT LEGACY TRIBUTE
Legacy Tribute is a live performance series dedicated to celebrating African and South African heritage through carefully curated tribute productions. Each show honours cultural icons and timeless stories, ensuring Africa’s artistic legacy is preserved and presented with dignity and excellence.
ABOUT ISONDO MUSIC
Isondo Music is a creative production house committed to authentic African storytelling through music, live performance, and recording projects. With a strong focus on heritage, quality, and artistic integrity, Isondo Music develops productions that resonate across generations.
Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE) (Annual): Est. 1997 – A 10-day cultural tourism event in Bloemfontein featuring top African and international talent across various artistic disciplines.
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