Honouring a legend

Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse is the third recipient honoured with the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Lifetime Achievement Award

On 27 november 2021, Hennessy v.s.o.p Privilège Paid Homage to legendary musician SIPHO “Hostix” mabuse when the icon became the third recipient of its highly coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, part of GQ’S Men of the Year Awards. Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège once again partnered with GQ to honour individuals who, like Mabuse, are game-changers who push boundaries and shape our societies for the better.

In its inaugural year, 2019, the award went to South African actor, author and director

John Kani. It recognised his significant contribution to modern South African culture over the last 20 years and how he inspired a new breed of local creative artists across television, theatre and film. In 2020, the prestigious award was presented to soccer legend and Managing Director of the Kaizer Chiefs, Kaizer Motaung, acknowledging his commitment, dedication and significant contribution to South African sport over the last 50 years.

The partnership with the

GQ Men of the Year Awards is a natural synergy for Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège, which, for more than 200 years, has been celebrating those who embody its “Never Stop. Never Settle” ethos.

Mabuse began playing the drums at an early age, subsequently earning the nickname “Hotstix”, which he’s still synonymous with today. He mastered many instruments, including the flute, piano, saxophone, kalimba, timbales and African drums.

During the ’60s, he was the founding member of The Beaters alongside other young talents. The band later became Harari and remains one of the most iconic, successful and recognisable South African acts of the ’70s. After a decade together, the group had an opportunity to perform in the US with the legendary

Hugh Masekela. Harari was famous for mixing funk, disco and jazz and using traditional African instruments to create a unique sound.

When the band split up in the ’80s, Mabuse began his solo career, creating and producing significant original music, including the hit single

‘Burn Out’.

Throughout Mabuse’s near-50-year career, he’s been a musical ambassador for South Africa. He’s performed across most of Africa, and in European countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and more. Today, he’s one of the world’s most admired and respected musicians, and his ambition in his craft has led to his phenomenal success.

Stef Kondylis, Market Manager of Moët Hennessy South Africa, says, ‘At the end of last year, we presented the Hennessy

V.S.O.P Privilège Lifetime Achievement Award to Mabuse. A pioneer within his industry, his impact on the South African music landscape cannot be overstated. Mabuse joins a lineage of committed and resolute individuals who remain true to Hennessy’s ethos of “Never Stop.

Never Settle”.’