Molemo "Jub Jub" Maarohanye, a rapper and gospel singer, and co-accused Themba Tshabalala were driving in the township of Soweto outside Johannesburg when they lost control of their cars and ploughed into a group of children in March 2010.

Four children died on the scene and two others were seriously injured. One child suffered permanent brain damage.

The two were convicted in October and sentenced Wednesday to 20 years for murder, four for attempted murder and a year for driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal racing and using drugs.

Magistrate Brian Nemavhidi said the pair willingly drove under the influence of drugs and alcohol, putting the lives of others at risk.

Relatives of the children packed the courtroom, and some wept as the judge delivered the sentence.

Drunk driving is the leading cause of road accidents in South Africa, with some 13,000 people killed every year.