Rebecca stomps her authority
Whole house applauds to the legend of Malope
The 32 years of Rebecca Malope at the top stole the show at Saturday night’s DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards.
The gospel superstar was honoured with the Legend Award and, with a medley of her greatest hits, the Sandton Convention Centre was transformed into a spiritual revival.
The Holy Spirit tribute was led by fellow gospel stars Dumi Mkokstad, Ntokozo Mbambo and Khaya Mthethwa with songs such as Ngegazi Lemvana and Uyingcwele.
But a visibly emotional Malope, fighting back tears as she performed, sealed the deal, first by kicking off her shoes, breaking into a foot stomping dance and throwing her leg into the air.
In true Malope style, it all culminated with her dramatically collapsing on stage and mopping the stage with her red gown. It was all received with a standing ovation and roaring applause from the floor. Her family, in matching red gear, was there to support her. Sowetan caught up with Malope backstage, where she was still overwhelmed by emotion, even misplacing her award at one stage and worrying that she had lost it. “I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know what to say. I told myself that I will be strong, but the love was just too much. I’m deeply humbled,” she said.
“I don’t remember very well what happened on stage. I know I was there and God was just working his miracles.
“I love my fans for being with me all these years. It’s 32 years now in the industry and I know that each house in the country has my CD. I love them to bits. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here.” Meanwhile, Bonang Matheba, hosting the awards for a second consecutive year and winning favourite personality, was the talk of the town as she changed into various high-fashion creations by international designers such as Esé Azénabor and Biji La Maison. Other winners of the night included The Queen actress Thembsie Matu, DJ Black Coffee, Pearl Modiadie, Caster Semenya and Thuso Motaung. Kwesta, Sjava, Bucie, Sun-El Musician, Mlindo The Vocalist, Sho Madjozi and Mafikizolo all delivered explosive performances.