Fashioning Modern Africanism

Idols Judges :Somizi, Thembi and JR In an electrifying performance night,  Idols SA 's top six contestants took center stage, first offering a nostalgic nod to memorable opening auditions and later setting the stage on fire with tunes from Grammy Award winners. Envic  Envic emerged as the first contestant to own the stage, in homage to Karabo's rendition of Nathi’s  Nomvula . He then  delivered a heartfelt performance of   When a Man Loves a Woman  by David Foster. "You're destined for stardom," noted Somizi Mhlongo, while JR Bogopa advised him on fine-tuning his stage theatrics. Faith Faith Followed, revisiting Lennymars' autdtion with Daniel Caesar's  Best Part  and later grooving to Marvin Gaye’s  Sexual Healing . However, the night wasn't entirely in his favour. "You must grasp the essence of a hit song," critiqued Somizi, with Thembi Seete adding concerns about the song's arrangement. Niikiey Astonishing everyone with her take on Tha

Idols SA  top 7 give the best performances of their careers in a spectacular Showstopper The final-ever Showstopper in  Idols SA  entertained its way into the history books as one of the most outstanding in the competition’s 19 seasons. With flames, fireworks and sensational choreography coming to the  Mosaïek Teatro  stage, it was the perfect setting for the unveiling of the top 7. Making the cut, in no particular order, were: Envic, Faith, Niikiey, Nkosi, Princess, Thabo and Thando. It was unfortunately the end of the  Idols SA  journey for Sena. In a special twist, Sena still performed her Showstopper number despite elimination, taking on Rihanna’s  Rude Boy .  Preceded by a dazzling guest appearance from Ntate Stunna and Nthabi (singing  Stimela ), the top 7 gave the most entertaining performances of their careers thus far, fighting for precious viewer votes to bring them one step closer to clinching the ultimate prize. Kicking things off was Nkosi with Usher’s  Good Kisser , to mi

Last night Idols SA  season 19 contestants brought romance as they sang songs that make weddings fun, d espite the pressure being the most intense it’s been so far, this week’s  Idols SA  edition was a celebratory one, as the newly minted top 9 hit the stage in their wedding best. Following viewer votes, making it to the  Idols SA  season 19 top 9, in no particular order, were: Niikiey, Lungelo, Faith, Nkosi, Thando, Princess, Thabo, Envic, and Sena. Sadly, it was time for Lungile to say goodbye to  Idols SA . The theme saw the top 9 perform songs from the ultimate South African wedding playlist, bringing i-step to the florally decked-out Mosaïek Teatro stage.  Niikiey kicked off the show with Malaika’s  Mmatswale , to praise from the judges. Somizi Mhlongo had career words of advice: “Do you want to make a lot of money in music? Then this is your genre, mntwan’am. It was your concert.” Next to take the stage was Lungelo, who took on Etta James’  At Last . The judges loved her performa

It’s official:   Idols SA   will be back for an impressive 18 th   season this year. Returning to the judges’ chair is fan favourite Somizi Mhlongo, and he will be joined by two new judges: the triple threat pop culture icon Thembi Seete and rapper-producer extraordinaire JR Bogopa. The award-winning, co-executive producer Tebogo 'ProVerb' Thekisho will return to host the music competition reality show for his 13 th  season.   Making a comeback to his seat as the most famous competition judge in the country, Somizi Mhlongo is a multitalented choreographer, reality TV star and actor whose  Idols SA  catchphrase ‘Whooo shem!’ is loved by many.   Known for his vibey energy, dramatic dress sense and honest critique as a judge, Mhlongo will dazzle our screens yet again as he ushers in a new era for the show and guides a new crop of talent.   An acclaimed actor, dancer and musician who has been part of South Africa’s pop culture fabric since the 1990s, Thembi Seete is known for her c

Most of you are already hooked to your screens as Mzansi Magic have started showing their new telenovela, Gomora. Let’s meet some of the cast member who are bringing these characters to life.   Thathi played by Katlego Danke   Thathi grew up in Alex with her mother Sonto and her sister Beauty. She knew struggle as a child, although her mother always was able to provide for her through various criminal enterprises. Thathi was always the most beautiful girl in school, the most charismatic, and the most popular. Thathi chose the easy life offered by her new husband Mbongeni. She raised two children with Mbongeni in the beautiful mansion he bought for their family. She never worked a day in her life.   Mbongeni played by Themba Ndaba   Mbongeni is the CEO and one of the major shareholders of CBS bank. An alpha male, extremely confident in his abilities. He is the husband to Thathi. He married her when he was in his late twenties and had just started the bank. For years he’s been chowing mo

For many South Africans it’s easy to imagine a setting where two different worlds exist side by side and it is almost normal for one family to live lavishly while the other is barely able to make ends meet. What is a bit more challenging to imagine however, is when an unfortunate series of events causes both families to collide in the most thrilling way – revealing a complex story of romance, social inequalities and prejudices (as well as a surprising romance) in Mzansi Magic’s fascinating new telenovela,  Gomora . For those in the know,  Gomora  is also the nickname of the famous and beloved Johannesburg Kasi, Alexandra. The hustle and bustle of the township and its colourful flavour is the vibrant home of the series, which explores the disparity between lower and upper-class members of our country. With the contrast between the two worlds brought to life through one of the most innovative filming styles. “Our customers are in for a real treat with  Gomora . It is a re