Thami AkaMbongo Manzana: Arthur Mafokate’s legacy in the eyes of the industry and the ancestors.

A Night with Legends stirred something profound in my spirit – witnessing icons honour each other with grace moved me to reflect on legacy, impact and giving flowers now.

A PIONEER OF TOWNSHIP SOUND AND SOUL

I have spent much of my career observing South Africa’s Cultural and Creative Industries, from township stages to corporate boardrooms. In all these spaces, few names resonate as profoundly as Arthur Mafokate. To describe him merely as a musician or entertainer would be to diminish the breadth of his impact. He is a pioneer, an entrepreneur, a mentor, and, in every meaningful sense, a living institution within the South African creative landscape.

Arthur Mafokate’s journey is inseparable from the evolution of Kwaito and township culture in post-apartheid South Africa. Tracks like “Kaffir” and “Oyi Oyi” were not just songs – they were social commentaries, cultural declarations, and invitations for young South Africans to see themselves as authors of their own stories.

999 MUSIC: A PLATFORM FOR DREAMS

Yet his influence extends far beyond music. Through his vision, he created 999 Music, a platform that has nurtured countless artists, dancers, and creatives who might otherwise never have found their place in the industry. The story of 999 Music is a story of empowerment.

Many artists who began their journey under his guidance have grown into performers, producers, and entrepreneurs who now carry the torch for future generations. I have personally witnessed how his mentorship transforms raw talent into sustainable careers, instilling discipline, business sense, and pride alongside artistic skill.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP MEETS ARTISTRY

Beyond talent development, Arthur’s contribution to the business side of the creative industries is remarkable. He has consistently explored avenues that turn artistry into enterprise – transforming music into economic empowerment. From stage production to brand partnerships, he has modelled entrepreneurship that elevates the cultural profile of South Africa while empowering those around him.

His influence is also deeply community-focused. Across townships, where resources are limited, Mafokate’s mentorship, dance academies, and programs have given young people tangible opportunities to pursue careers in music, performance, and production. This is where his legacy transcends the individual – it is communal, structural, and enduring.

RECOGNITION BEYOND HEADLINES

Recognition for such impact is often slow and complicated. Media narratives and allegations have shaped public opinion, and some may disagree with aspects of his journey. Yet these controversies do not erase decades of contribution, nor the countless careers, businesses, and communities he has touched. Mature acknowledgment requires separating headlines from measurable impact – and on that measure, Arthur Mafokate’s influence is undeniable.

Over the years, Mafokate has earned numerous accolades, both formal and informal. While Lifetime Achievement Awards have yet to fully reflect his contribution, those who have worked with him, learned from him, or been inspired by him know the truth. The industry, the culture, and even the creative ancestors – as some would say – recognize the value of his work. Events like A Night With Legends provide rare moments where peers and successors collectively honour someone whose vision has shaped modern South African music and culture.

MENTORSHIP AS LEGACY

I am particularly struck by the way Arthur balances artistry with mentorship and enterprise. Emerging artists under his guidance have not only mastered performance but also learned how to negotiate contracts, build brands, and plan for longevity. Some dancers have transitioned into producers, performers into entrepreneurs, and artists into business leaders – all reflecting the compound impact of his work: one individual catalysing transformation in many lives.

SHAPING THE INDUSTRY

The Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa have historically been underfunded and undervalued. Within this context, practitioners like Mafokate are invaluable. He has been a creator, advocate, and strategist – ensuring South African music and culture receive recognition, investment, and respect locally and globally. By creating platforms, mentoring emerging talent, and engaging in industry discourse, he has fortified the sector’s infrastructure and encouraged sustainability.

Even as I write this, I reflect on the delicate balance in a society that both critiques and celebrates. Some may focus on controversies, others on timing or recognition. Yet Arthur Mafokate has shaped South African music, culture, and the creative economy in profound ways. He has empowered artists, transformed communities, and left an indelible mark on the industry.

SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL RECOGNITION

There is also a subtle spiritual dimension to his recognition. In African culture, acknowledgment is measured not only by awards but by the lives one touches, the artists one nurtures, and the legacy one leaves behind. By this measure, Arthur Mafokate has already received abundant recognition – from the industry, the artists he has mentored, and quietly, from the ancestors who guide cultural custodians.

LESSONS FOR EMERGING CREATIVES

His career offers broader lessons for the industry. Success in the arts is not just about talent; it is about vision, discipline, collaboration, and the courage to explore new business models. For any emerging artist, creative entrepreneur, or cultural leader, his journey demonstrates that excellence, empowerment, and sustainability are interdependent.

A LIVING TESTAMENT

In conclusion, Arthur Mafokate is a living testament to what it means to shape an industry with integrity, creativity, and foresight. He has influenced generations of artists, mentored countless creatives, empowered communities, and left an enduring mark on South Africa’s Cultural and Creative Industries. Recognition in awards or headlines may lag, but those who truly understand the ecosystem know that his contribution is monumental.

In celebrating him, we also celebrate the power of mentorship, cultural entrepreneurship, and community upliftment. Arthur Mafokate reminds us that legacy is nurtured through the lives we touch, the opportunities we create, and the structures we leave behind for others to thrive. And for that, we owe him gratitude, admiration, and professional respect.

Thami AkaMbongo Manzana
akambongo@gmail.com
AkaMbongo Foundation Pty Ltd

Disclaimer: Artslink.co.za encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views published do not necessarily represent the views of Artslink.co.za.

This piece is penned by Thami akaMbongo Manzana in his personal capacity – as an artist, thinker, and observer of life.

The reflections, ideas, and expressions shared here are entirely his own and are not meant to represent the views or positions of any organization, structure, or association he may be part of.

These are personal thoughts flowing from the heart, mind, and lived experience – meant to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and spark the imagination.