South Africa’s legendary music institution Gallo Music officially celebrates its 100th birthday on 28 February 2026, marking a century of shaping both the South African and global music landscapes.

Founded in 1926 by Eric Gallo, the label has spent the past hundred years discovering, nurturing and promoting some of the continent’s most influential artists and musical genres. Today, Gallo’s archive stands as one of the most significant repositories of South African musical heritage.

A Celebration of Legacy

In anticipation of the centenary milestone, Gallo CEO Antos Stella hosted an exclusive celebratory brunch on Thursday, 26 February, attended by legendary artists from the label’s historic roster, senior executives from Arena Holdings, and prominent members of the media.

Among the distinguished guests were:

  • Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse

  • Hilda Tloubatla of the Mahotella Queens

  • Moses Ngwenya of Soul Brothers

  • Claire Johnston and John Leyden of Mango Groove

  • Ihhashi Elimhlophe

  • Linah Khama

  • Nkosana “Bozza” Nkosi and Lebo “Shugasmakx” Mothibe of Skwatta Kamp

Family representatives of Rex Rabanye and Lucky Dube were also present, honouring the enduring legacies of two iconic artists whose music continues to resonate with audiences today.

Artists Reflect on Gallo’s Influence

During the event, artists reflected on the pivotal role Gallo played in shaping their careers and the broader South African music industry.

Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse spoke about the rise of Soweto soul music and the way Gallo helped establish a foundation for South Africa’s rich musical heritage. He praised the label for prioritising artist welfare and concluded his remarks by performing a portion of his classic hit Burn Out.

Hilda Tloubatla, one of the legendary voices behind the Mahotella Queens, moved the audience when she opened her speech with a rendition of Melodi Ya Lla, sparking a spontaneous sing-along. Reflecting on her long relationship with the label, she shared:

“This is my company… we started working here in 1964 when I was just 22 years old, and they took good care of us. Thank you for taking us overseas – we are now internationally recognised artists.”

She concluded her tribute with a heartfelt performance of the beloved hit Kazet.

Family members of iconic musicians also shared their gratitude.

Lerato Rabanye, speaking on behalf of her father Rex Rabanye’s family, expressed appreciation for the label’s commitment to preserving his work:

“I hope my father can see from heaven the appreciation of his remarkable creativity.”

Similarly, Thokozani Dube, son of reggae legend Lucky Dube, emphasised the importance of the label’s role in preserving African voices and stories.

“My father believed in justice, humanity and telling African stories truthfully. We are humbled and grateful that his music continues to be preserved and celebrated.”

Looking to the Future

CEO Antos Stella highlighted the importance of the centenary not only as a celebration of history but also as a launch point for future initiatives.

“Gallo has the history of South Africa in our archive and seeks to protect the copyright of this country. It is proudly South African,” Stella said.

To commemorate the milestone year, several major initiatives have been announced, including:

  • A documentary exploring Gallo Music’s untold stories and rich history

  • A special tribute concert celebrating legendary artists and showcasing new talent

  • Additional events and activations throughout the year

During the celebration, a vintage gramophone was presented to Tshepo Mahloele, Chairman of Arena Holdings, in recognition of his contribution to preserving South Africa’s musical heritage.

Sounds of the Century

To mark its 100-year anniversary, Gallo has released a special “Sounds of the Century” playlist, featuring music that captures the spirit and evolution of South African sound over the decades.

Music lovers can explore the playlist here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4zmiRiBCgoIPziG9trACXK

Several radio stations will also broadcast curated Gallo100 playlists to honour this historic milestone.