Online Reporter
Dr Rebecca Malope celebrated her 58th birthday with a soiree fitting for the queen of gospel that she is.
Green and white decor filled the venue on Saturday as Malope’s family, friends and loved ones gathered to celebrate her.
Malope reflected on the amazing celebration organised by her daughters Noluthando and Thandeka.
“It was amazing, wonderful seeing the artists. I’m really honoured to see the faces of all these artists.
“Just to come and celebrate my birthday with me. I felt so good inside.”
The soirée was attended by the legendary musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Maskandi music legend Ihasi Elimhlophe with his wife Linah “Ebony” Ngcobo; Gospel singer and presenter Khaya Mthethwa and actress Sana Mchunu.
Her guests all adhered to the all-black theme, and Malope shone in a glamorous white-and-gold ombré ball gown she made herself.
Malope wanted to wear one of her own creations for her soirée. She worked tirelessly to get it completed, working through the night, and was overjoyed when it all came together.
Malope is enjoying her fashion journey, seeing where it takes her and credits all the YouTube videos she watches as being her teacher.
Malope’s birthday soirée served as a moment for her to be given her flowers by her children and those near and dear to her who have witnessed her journey in music.
Last year Malope received two lifetime achievement awards: at the Metro FM Music Awards and the Basadi in Music Awards.
Malope opened up that getting her flowers while she was still alive was “humbling” and showed that people can see what she has done for the country, home and families through her career.
“Even people that you don’t even know can tell you, I’m a testimony of what you have done in their lives through your music.
“It’s so humbling to get all of these recognitions and be celebrated for getting my flowers while I’m still alive. It shows that I’ve got a big family here. Besides my own family, I’ve got a very big family in South Africa. It’s my family.”
With a career spanning close to four decades, Malope has seen it all and achieved worldwide success, yet remains humble at heart. Malope shared a few pearls of wisdom: God’s timing is the best.
Malope shared the advice she often shares with her children about life’s challenges, reminding them that the journey is filled with potholes and nothing goes smoothly, but one has to navigate it.
“But when you wait on the Lord and don’t give up, when you get there, God will take you somewhere cause he knows the best. He knows you, He knows your name and where He wants you to be.”
Looking back from where she comes from from the farms and travelling to Johannesburg to chase a dream- Malope admits that she would have never thought she would be the one having such a lavish birthday celebration and have accomplished what she has.
“Today, I’m recognised not only in South Africa, but internationally. People appreciate me. I feel the love. I felt the love at the birthday; I was crying non-stop.”
Malope may be two years away from turning 60, but still has fire burning. She is on a world tour; she has already done performances in Europe and is headed to Australia.
The gospel icon jokes that when she turns the milestone age, she will be at the SASSA offices, standing in the queues to apply for her pension – IOL
