This year marks a decade since the untimely death of gospel legend Vuyo Mokoena who passed away in 2008 after succumbing to a brain tumour.
His widow Tebogo Mokoena, fellow gospel artists and the organisers of the All White Gospel Picnic want to ensure Mokoena’s legacy lives on.
The gospel maestro will be honoured with the Life Time Achievement Award at the second annual All White Gospel Picnic on Saturday, November 24, at Carnival City.
His widow says she is honoured by the gesture and although this is not the first Life Time Achievement Award she will receive as homage to her husband, she deems this one very special and befitting for the late gospel star.
“This is not the first time that he's receiving the Life Time Achievement award. He's been honoured before at the Crown Gospel Awards and the Ingomas as well but this one is befitting and very special to me. It's a kind gesture because it's from home, Vuyo was born in Ekurhuleni. And Erhuruleni is recognising the tremendous work that he has done,” says Mokoena.
Over the years, through the Vuyo Mokoena Foundation, the music icon’s wife has helped make a difference in underprivileged communities by supplying the essentials such as food and clothes, something her late husband was passionate about.
“What people don't know is that Vuyo was a teacher by profession, he loved kids so much, and he always wanted to give back to the underprivileged kids., so we started the foundation because we wanted to continue with his vision,” adds Mokoena.
The special tribute will be delivered by fellow gospel stars Kholeka and Sipho Ngwenya and the same live band that use to perform with Mokoena.
“This is all about a life well lived...a life that is worth celebrating. The bible says we must look after the orphans and the widows and by doing so we are keeping his legacy alive so the next generation would know that there was a man called Vuyo who worshipped God in truth and in spirit, “ says Kholeka.
The organisers of the event say they are honoured to give their first Life Achievement Award posthumous to Mokoena, which will be received by his wife.
“Since it’s been 10 years since his passing, we wanted to do something to commemorate his contribution to the music industry. Besides gospel music, we're going to have gospel comedy hosted by gospel comedian by the name of Ditsebe. There will also be spiritual dancers from local churches, says the event organiser Khanyi Magubane.
Other artists that will be performing on the day includes Khaya Mthethwa, Lebo Sekgobela, Mahalia Buchanan, Neyi Zimu, Dumi Mkokstad, Abathandwa, Putuma Tiso, Pastor Lungi Ndala, Ayanda Shange, Nduduzo Matse, Solomon Spencer.
Tickets are available at Computickets. No alcohol is allowed.