This is part of the Mzansi Fela Festival that is currently taking place at The SA State Theatre until 19 December. Phumi Maduna and the late Brenda Fassie joined Sam Mhangwana’s stage play called Hungry Spoon in the early 80’s and later Gibson Kente. Phumi met Madoda Malotana and they formed a group called Cheek to Cheek in 1985 and released a hit album called So Good So Nice which sold thousands of copies making them the best-selling group at the time.

Although he started singing in the early 70’s, Ali Katt became popular with his second album, Let The Good Times Roll and his later release Week of Tears. Week of Tears was a tribute to the late musician Paul Ndlovu, SA boxer - Arthur Mayisela and the Kinross Mine Workers who died tragically in September 1986.

Condry Ziqubu is popularly known for his song Skorokoro, which translates to an old beat up car. This was the social commentary he made in one of the songs that reflected the social, economic and cultural milieu of blacks in the post-apartheid South Africa.

Brothers Marc and Alex Rantseli of MarcAlex, had a mammoth crossover hit with the song "Quick Quick" off Boys B Boys, the follow-up to their 1988 eponymously titled debut. Though born and raised in Diepkloof, Jozi, this is an album geared to an international audience, featuring mainly American and British hands in the studio, the end product bearing more of a resemblance to Wham or Milli Vanilli than local bubblegum sounds.

Though Sydney Mogopodi had featured in other musicians’ work, his monumental hit remains Mama’s Baby. Mama`s baby sold the first 50 000 copies. By 1990, Sydney was awarded an O.KTV music award for "The most promising new artist".

Known for producing one album in three languages, Babsy Mlangeni came into fame with a song called Bua Nnete in 1972. His 80’s dance hits included Botsotso, Lonely Man and Umadlembathini.

Born Daniel Phakoe, Sox started his music career as a drummer or a group called Joyco from Maokeng in Kroonstad where he grew up. Sox is known for his song Lejapere (horse eater) back in 1988. His other songs are Masokisi (Sox), Shame Boksburg and Mama.

Zizi Kongo biggest hit of her career was Come Duze. Her other albums included Emarabini and Isilingo. Zizi was one of the musicians who participated in the Kungwini Cultural Festival in Bronkospruit on 24 September 2006.

Known for his energy on stage, Dan Nkosi was nicknamed Steamroller by his fans following his album ‘Gandaganda’ in 1987. Some of his albums are Julia, and Wash’umkhukhu.

Music of the 80's is taking place on 18 December at 20:00.

Tickets for Music of the 80’s are available at Computicket and at the door at R80.