From Survivor to Songbird: Magda Jacobs Honoured for Inspirational Gospel Song

Cancer survivor and long-time CANSA Relay For Life supporter in Rustenburg, Magda Jacobs, has been recognised on a national stage for turning her cancer story into music. Performing under the artist name Ladie Lark, Magda won the award for Inspirational Song – Original Afrikaans Gospel Female at the South African Country Music Association/Foundation (SACMAF) Awards held in October 2025.

Her winning song, Kanker Kryger (Cancer Warrior), began its life as a poem she wrote years earlier for CANSA Rustenburg’s Relay For Life. The poem was later published in the anthology Brose Genade (Bruised Grace), and in July 2025, Magda decided to give the piece a new voice by recording it as a song. The track was nominated in two SACMAF award categories, with Magda herself receiving a nomination for Most Inspiring Artist of the Year.

“It’s a song about surviving and rebuilding and how Relay For Life changed my life,” Magda says. “It gave me strength, purpose and a community. This song is part of that story.”

A long-time survivor and a Global Hero of Hope, CANSA’s international ambassador programme for cancer survivors, Magda has inspired many through her openness, resilience and unwavering spirit. Even when treatment left its mark, including a lifelong impact on her vision, she remained committed to bringing comfort and hope to others facing cancer.

Recording Kanker Kryger was a milestone in reclaiming her voice, both figuratively and literally. Magda worked to ensure her song was professionally produced and fully compliant for release, registering it with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) and the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO). The official release will take place in early 2026, marking the next step in sharing her message of courage with a wider audience.

Her achievement is not only a celebration of artistic talent but also a powerful reminder of survivorship, advocacy, and the life-changing role of community initiatives like Relay For Life. Through her words and music, Magda continues to uplift others, proving that stories born from struggle can rise into songs of hope.

CANSA congratulates Magda Jacobs on this remarkable accomplishment and thanks her for continuing to shine as a beacon of strength within the cancer survivor community.