On the eve of his retirement from stage performance – dancer, choreographer, mentor and cultural entrepreneur Gregory Maqoma will be celebrated by the Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) Awards as its Featured Artist.
Every year, the Awards select a Featured Artist and usually this artist is involved in the creation of an Award trophy. This year however, BASA elected to honour the legacy of South African dance legend Gregory Maqoma who will instead perform one of his last ever performances on the evening of the Awards to be held at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art in Cape Town on 13 October 2023.
Says BASA CEO, Ashraf Johaardien, “Gregory Maqoma stands out as an extraordinary South African success story because he has artfully navigated the blending of creative clarity and exemplary talent with a sharp business acumen and a strong sense of value for his contribution as an artist. This lucidity has taken him to global stages and seen him take a defining leadership role, one he intends to build on after he retires from stage. He credits collaboration as a core principle and the value that has largely shaped his career. It is this same value that is the foundation of the work we do at BASA.” Maqoma adds, “Partnership is alignment; it’s about working together to achieve similar goals. I have had the opportunity to partner with organisations that have helped to shape and sustain my career.”
The BASA Awards recognise business and arts partnerships that create mutual benefit. From long standing partnerships like this year’s HEINEKEN Beverages Long Term Partnership Award finalist ATKV & Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK), to innovative projects like 2023 finalist E-Squared Investments & Sunshine Cinema for the Spark Impact Program (Samsung Innovation Award finalist). 48 finalists (24 partnerships) are in the running for the announcement of the overall winners of the 26th BASA Awards. Awards are recognised in categories, each one sponsored by an organisation or business that advocates for the arts.
In addition to Gregory Maqoma, guests will be treated to performances by jazz musician Mandla Mlangeni and electric violinist Kirsty Bows.
Maqoma will head directly to Johannesburg after the BASA Awards for the GM50 Legacy Programme which will take place at the Joburg Theatre on 14 and 15 October 2023. The weekend’s event is presented by Gregory Maqoma Industries and Vuyani Dance Theatre in Collaboration with Joburg Theatre, Arts Alive International Festival, City of Johannesburg Arts, Culture and Heritage and Jacana Media as a celebration of Maqoma’s remarkable career on the occasion of his 50th birthday. Click here for more information about the programme and tickets.
