National News
A Night of Celebration: Steve Ashley Honoured at the SACMAF 2026 Awards
At the gala evening, SACMAF presented Ashley with an award recognizing his sustained contributions as lead vocalist to The Staccatos’ 65-year legacy.
On September 30, 2026, the South African country and music scene gathered at the Amorosa Wedding & Conference Venue for the SACMAF (South African Country Music Artists Foundation) 2026 Awards. The evening was a celebration of artistry, resilience, and rich musical heritage, highlighted by a moment honoring vocalist Steve Ashley for his extraordinary role in The Staccatos.
Honouring an Enduring Legacy and a Dynamic New Chapter
The Staccatos hold a special place in South African pop and rock history. Originally formed in 1961 in Johannesburg, the group rose to prominence in the late 1960s—most famously dominating the chart tops with their mega-hit "Cry to Me" in 1969, which spent a record-breaking 38 weeks on the Springbok Radio charts.
Steve Ashley brings a rich, multi-faceted background to the stage, combining years of experience across television productions, theatrical revues, and live musical performances. He has honed the craft of a complete entertainer.
The story took a dynamic turn in 2019 when the band was reformed with the vision, guidance, and backing of Ebeth Ashley. Joining as Lead singer over these past 8 years, Steve Ashley brought his extensive stage background to help reignite the iconic group's presence. Since 2019 , the band has achieved phenomenal success across the country.
Audiences across the country continue to be amazed by Ashley's stamina, commanding vocal range, and passion—powering through intense 2-hour live concert sets with remarkable energy and stage presence.
A Heartfelt Gratitude & Dedication
Expressing his appreciation following the ceremony, Ashley shared words of gratitude with fans, colleagues, and the foundation board:
"A special evening at the SACMAF 2026 AWARDS on 30 September... where I was honoured to receive an award recognising my contribution as a singer to The Staccatos’ 65-year musical legacy. Thank you to Sandy Lee Full, Virna Vermeulen and the SACMAF Board for this meaningful recognition."
Ashley dedicated the prestigious award to his manager, Ebeth, praising her steadfast guidance behind the scenes:
"I dedicate this award to my manager, Ebeth, whose vision, belief and dedication have helped make this journey possible."
Words of Encouragement for Fellow Artists
Closing out his milestone achievement, Steve Ashley offered a message of hope and encouragement to up-and-coming musicians navigating the industry landscape:
"To all artists: 'Keep working and believing' — recognition will come. Congratulations to all the 2026 nominees and winners!"
The recognition at the 2026 SACMAF Awards serves not only as a testament to Ashley’s enduring talent, but also as a reminder of the lasting influence legendary groups like The Staccatos continue to exert on the South African music tapestry.