Founded in 1926 by Eric Gallo in Johannesburg, the label has shaped South Africa’s musical identity across genres like jazz, mbaqanga, maskandi, gospel, and kwaito.

Over the decades, Gallo has worked with icons such as Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and Lucky Dube, earning accolades including Grammys, MTV, MOBO, SAMAs, and Kora Awards. Its rooster logo remains a symbol of the nation’s evolving soundscape.

The celebrations, starting February 2026, will also spotlight Gallo’s digital transformation and support for emerging artists. This month, the company partners with the Black Coffee Benefit Gala to aid food banks and music education in the Eastern Cape.

Antos Stella, CEO of Gallo’s holding company The Music Arena, calls the milestone “a moment to honour our past while looking ahead to the next century of South African music.”
More details on public participation will be shared soon.