World-renowned South African soprano Pumeza Matshikiza is set to receive one of the highest honours of her career, as she prepares for an induction into the Roodepoort Theatre’s prestigious Wall of Fame.
The milestone will be celebrated at Joburg City Theatres’ 45th Anniversary Gala on September 24, 2025, under the theme Revealing of the Stars, which pays tribute to artists who have shaped the theatre’s four-decade history.
The recognition cements Matshikiza’s legacy as a trailblazer in South Africa’s cultural landscape and highlights her profound contributions to opera and the arts.
For the acclaimed music sensation, both the Wall of Fame induction and the Heritage Musical Concert mark not only personal milestones but also opportunities to give back to the community that shaped her global career.
“I was pleasantly surprised and deeply honoured,” Matshikiza told the Saturday Star.
“My journey has been a long one, and what kept me going was curiosity about the singing voice. When you love something, you stay with it through it all. I stand on the shoulders of giants—Todd, Pat, and John Matshikiza among them. My legacy will be what it will be, but this honour reminds me I still have more work to do, not just for myself but for others too.”
As part of her homecoming, Matshikiza will also headline a one-night-only Heritage Musical Concert on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Johannesburg’s historic Rand Club, where she details she will feature a blend of classical arias and South African musical influences in an intimate setting.
Her homecoming tour will also include an international stop at Palazzo Farnese in Rome on 22 September, ahead of her Johannesburg performances.
“Returning home for this concert feels like a full-circle moment. I’m thrilled to share an evening of music with my South African audience, celebrating our heritage together,” she said.
In addition to her performances, Matshikiza has plans to conduct a masterclass for students at Wits University, underscoring her commitment to nurturing the next generation of South African talent. She shared valuable advice for aspiring musicians, saying, “Find something that you love and do it with all your heart. Prepare for the ups and downs, but still do it.”
Saturday Star