Matobo family plans June celebration for Agnes Ncube’s 100th birthday, honouring a century of community and music heritage

Matobo family plans June celebration for Agnes Ncube’s 100th birthday, honouring a century of community and music heritage
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A family in Kosihlola, Malaba, Matobo, is preparing to mark the 100th birthday of Agnes Ncube, popularly known as Gogo MaKhabo, with a community celebration planned for June 27.

Family members said the gathering will bring together relatives, neighbours and friends to honour her life as a matriarch, as well as her role in a family known for its cultural and musical heritage. Ncube is the mother of the late sungura musician Ndux Malax and the grandmother of artiste Ndux Malax Jnr.

Born on June 21, 1926, Ncube has lived through a century of change, with her family describing her as a steady influence built on hard work, faith and Ubuntu.

Her daughter, Sijabulisiwe Ncube, recalled a childhood shaped by their mother’s work ethic at home and in the fields. “She would be up at 5AM tending the fields, weeding, ploughing, protecting crops from livestock and birds. At home she crafted mats and ingcebethu,” she said.

The family said Ncube raised 11 children — six boys and five girls — and that her descendants now include 43 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

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Relatives said she remains mentally and physically alert, and continues to share family history with younger generations. Sijabulisiwe said: “Even now she finds ways to stay active. Her eyesight, hearing and memory are still sharp. She remains a bridge through which younger generations hear our family and ancestral stories.”

Her son, Obert Ncube, linked his mother’s memories to a milestone in the family’s music journey, recalling a first live performance by his late brother, Ndux Malax, in 1984 at Malundu Village, Sigangatsha. He also said music was part of their home growing up, noting that their late father, Sihlola Malaba, was a folk musician and ingungu player.

Obert said his mother remained proud of her son’s talent and still reacts warmly when his music is played. “She would say, ‘uyamuzwa ngumntanami uVery Good, madoda!’ Even today when his songs play on the radio, she smiles and sings along with pride,” he said.

The centenary celebrations are being organised by her grandson, Lwazi Ncube, who said the event is a collective family effort and is also significant within the wider community. “It’s a united family effort and the most meaningful part is seeing four generations come together to honour her. As the eldest person under Chief Malaba, she’s also respected across the community,” he said.

Family members said the programme will include traditional performances, including ingungu, as well as a performance by Ndux Malax Jnr.

Lwazi said his grandmother’s influence can also be traced in his late father’s music, citing the song Unity, which he said promoted togetherness. He described her life as reflecting hard work, deep faith and cultural strength.

The family said they hope the event will encourage younger relatives to value unity, identity and the traditions that have helped keep the family close across generations.

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