By TANELE SIHLONGONYANE AND KHETSIWE KHUMALO | 2024-11-05

ACCLAIMED veteran gospel musician Sipho Makhabane received his fourth Lifetime Achievement award at the South African Music Awards (SAMA) which were held at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, South Africa, on Saturday.

Makhabane is one of the most influential people in the gospel and arts industry.
He said being honoured felt great as his contribution in the industry had been acknowledged.

The gospel musician first received the same award at the Crown Gospel Music Awards, the second at the Mpumalanga Gospel Awards and the third at Mgoma Gospel Awards.

“It feels so great to smell my flowers while I am still alive and the fact that the industry sees my contribution in the music industry.

I have really worked hard and made a lot of contribution in the industry. That is why I have been getting a lot of messages and calls from people telling me this achievement was long overdue. 

I would love to thank my loyal supporters all over the world who have been with me since 1988 up to today.

“I am still behind the mic and supporting the arts industry. I am humbled, to God be the glory and I thank my fellow Africans who have been behind me all these years, I am very happy and grateful to the Lord,” he said.

Makhabane has played a crucial role in shaping the industry both locally and internationally. With over three decades in the industry, Makhabane has not only discovered talented artists but has also given them a platform to showcase their talent and helped them get the recognition they deserved.

With the influence that he has, Makhabane, otherwise known as Big Fish, was also made the Chairman of the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACAs) in Eswatini.

The gospel giant said he believed in supporting and nurturing talent.
“I am always willing to help, be it emerging talent or people who are already in the industry. I believe that supporting and nurturing talent is what makes people grow in the industry,” he said.
He added that he had made a lot of impact in the industry as he had discovered a lot of artists and mentored them.

“In my musical journey, there are so many artists both locally and internationally that I discovered and mentored, which include the likes of Shongwe and Khuphuka Saved, Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors  and Frans Dlamini, just to name a few.

In Africa, I am the first artist to discover a lot of artists in the continent whilst still behind the mic. These artists are very talented and have made an impact both locally and internationally,” he said.

Makhabane further said he believed in the power of collaboration.
“In order to survive in the industry, it is important to have good relations with other artists and learn to work together.

“Collaboration is powerful and beneficial in so many ways as it has the ability to boost one’s exposure, develop one’s musical experience and can help advance one’s career in the music industry.

“I have collaborated with a number of musicians in the industry, including the likes of Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Thobekile, Pastor Ncanda, the late Israel Mosehla, Tshepiso Motaung and many more,” he added.

He also mentioned that his humility had made him shine in the industry.
“I believe in respecting others and working collaboratively. I appreciate people who have been supporting me as a musician as not only are you supporting me but the musicians that I have also discovered,” he said.

Makhabane further said he aimed to leave a legacy.
“When I pass on, I want to ensure that my contributions in the industry live on.

I want people to not only remember me as an ordinary musician but one that made a positive impact and greatly shaped the music industry.
“I still have big dreams and I believe my work is not done as I want to undertake a project to be known as ‘Eswatini Idol,” he said.

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