Women in Song Legacy: Celebrating Gospel Giants
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On JustGospel's Faith at Work with Malefa, legendary drummer and bandleader Aniki Maswanganyi shared details about the groundbreaking Women in Song Legacy showcase—a celebration of female excellence in gospel music.
Who is Aniki Maswanganyi?
Aniki is a mother, aunt, grandmother, and acclaimed drummer who founded the all-female band Ladies in Jazz 35 years ago. Fifteen years ago, she founded Ray of Hope, an all-female gospel band. Her mission: mentorship and knowledge transfer from legendary artists to younger generations.
The Women in Song Concept
The Women in Song Legacy began when Aniki sought mentorship from gospel legends including Mama Abigail, Mama Dorothy, Mama Tandile Lassen, and Mama Dolira Tebe—passing the baton from one generation to the next. The first showcase launched at Soweto's Pride, the second at Polokwane mixing gospel and Afro-pop with Deborah Fraser and Mabunji.
The 2025 Mega Showcase
This year's event features gospel's "young divas and giants"—women who have mastered their craft. The theme: "By Women, For Women." Aniki emphasizes women pulling each other forward, covering each other's backs, and moving together in unity.
The Stellar Lineup
From 6:30pm to 11:30pm (gates open 4:00pm), the showcase features:
Buche Tayela - Known from Joyous Celebration
Busisiwe Mhlongo - Gospel arena powerhouse
Novulallappu - Voice that took gospel to highest levels
Ray of Hope featuring Paschaline (the divine voice), Tsokofato (first recorded from Deborah Zuma's Toye Gospel auditions), and Duduma Koma (songwriter, singer, arranger who composes for great artists)
Elasini Ramadi - Bringing ZCC gospel vibe with dynamic dance moves
The All-Female Band
Demonstrating women's instrumental excellence:
Drums: No Zipo
Bass Guitar: Grace Maquette from Bloemfontein
First Keys: Lindela Ngonelo (teacher, songwriter)
Second Keys: Zinkema Kanya from Kempton Park
Saxophone: Ntombi Asintu from Eastern Cape (music teacher in Pretoria)
Supporting Male Talent
While celebrating women, the showcase includes two exceptional male talents:
Percussion: Voli (world-acclaimed, travels internationally including Kenya)
Backing Vocals: Jabu Letabalala and Intombi Ndende
"We are not feminists," Aniki clarified. "These talented men support us, and we won't leave them behind."
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Venue: Salisville Arena, 0108 Mali Beer Street, Pretoria
Time: 6:30pm - 11:30pm (Gates open 4:00pm)
Tickets: R350 available at ShopRite, Checkers, and Computicket
The Vision
This showcase represents more than performance—it's about gratitude for God's faithfulness throughout the year, healing, restoration, and hope. It celebrates women's contributions to gospel music while demonstrating that the production itself is "by women, for women"—something never before done at this magnitude in South African gospel.
Why Attend?
Experience a night where gospel music meets female empowerment, where legends mentor emerging talent, and where worship celebrates God's greatness through the unique voices and instruments of South Africa's finest female gospel artists.
Who is Aniki Maswanganyi?
Aniki is a mother, aunt, grandmother, and acclaimed drummer who founded the all-female band Ladies in Jazz 35 years ago. Fifteen years ago, she founded Ray of Hope, an all-female gospel band. Her mission: mentorship and knowledge transfer from legendary artists to younger generations.
The Women in Song Concept
The Women in Song Legacy began when Aniki sought mentorship from gospel legends including Mama Abigail, Mama Dorothy, Mama Tandile Lassen, and Mama Dolira Tebe—passing the baton from one generation to the next. The first showcase launched at Soweto's Pride, the second at Polokwane mixing gospel and Afro-pop with Deborah Fraser and Mabunji.
The 2025 Mega Showcase
This year's event features gospel's "young divas and giants"—women who have mastered their craft. The theme: "By Women, For Women." Aniki emphasizes women pulling each other forward, covering each other's backs, and moving together in unity.
The Stellar Lineup
From 6:30pm to 11:30pm (gates open 4:00pm), the showcase features:
Buche Tayela - Known from Joyous Celebration
Busisiwe Mhlongo - Gospel arena powerhouse
Novulallappu - Voice that took gospel to highest levels
Ray of Hope featuring Paschaline (the divine voice), Tsokofato (first recorded from Deborah Zuma's Toye Gospel auditions), and Duduma Koma (songwriter, singer, arranger who composes for great artists)
Elasini Ramadi - Bringing ZCC gospel vibe with dynamic dance moves
The All-Female Band
Demonstrating women's instrumental excellence:
Drums: No Zipo
Bass Guitar: Grace Maquette from Bloemfontein
First Keys: Lindela Ngonelo (teacher, songwriter)
Second Keys: Zinkema Kanya from Kempton Park
Saxophone: Ntombi Asintu from Eastern Cape (music teacher in Pretoria)
Supporting Male Talent
While celebrating women, the showcase includes two exceptional male talents:
Percussion: Voli (world-acclaimed, travels internationally including Kenya)
Backing Vocals: Jabu Letabalala and Intombi Ndende
"We are not feminists," Aniki clarified. "These talented men support us, and we won't leave them behind."
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Venue: Salisville Arena, 0108 Mali Beer Street, Pretoria
Time: 6:30pm - 11:30pm (Gates open 4:00pm)
Tickets: R350 available at ShopRite, Checkers, and Computicket
The Vision
This showcase represents more than performance—it's about gratitude for God's faithfulness throughout the year, healing, restoration, and hope. It celebrates women's contributions to gospel music while demonstrating that the production itself is "by women, for women"—something never before done at this magnitude in South African gospel.
Why Attend?
Experience a night where gospel music meets female empowerment, where legends mentor emerging talent, and where worship celebrates God's greatness through the unique voices and instruments of South Africa's finest female gospel artists.
