Fashioning Modern Africanism

South African media personality Lumko “Johnson” Leqela has died. The family of the beloved TV presenter confirmed the death on Wednesday. “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the untimely passing of our beloved Lumko “Johnson” Leqela.” The cause of death is yet to be announced. Lumko first entered the public realm as a young teenager on the popular SABC1 YoTV platform then went on to nurture a career in television broadcast, radio production and media at large. In their own words, Lumko was an “accomplished TV and radio super producer, actor, writer and big deal in most spaces” Speaking on the tragic death, Lumko's family said Lumko's death was gut-wrenching. “This is a gut-wrenching loss to the Leqela family, their loved ones, the LGBTQIA+ community and ultimately to the South African broadcast and television community. Lumko lived a life filled with purpose and authenticity. As we process this shock as a community, let us remember their light in this world. Det

More than 120 000 rugby and entertainment enthusiasts, one of them being the Legendary Brian Habana, filled up the mother city, at Cape Town Stadium in three days to attend the biggest entertainment and sporting experience in the world. The Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022. The 3 day experience was star studded with appearances from Mandisa Williams, Kyle Brown and many more. Fans flocked to see them and were more than delighted to take pictures with these iconic stars.   It comes as no surprise that a few of South Africa’s iconic sports and entertainment stars were also spotted at the Rugby World Cup Fan Village, unlocked by Castle Lite. Stars such as Moozlie, Carpo the comedian, Costa Tich, Just Gilling,  Mark Buckner and not forgetting Anele Papua; one of South Africa’s biggest social media influencers. Of cause the biggest names in Rugby at the moment.   Attendees could not hide their excitement as they cheered for the rugby in stadium, and sang along to some of South Africa’s biggest h

After two weeks of stellar performances from the top 12 and over 7.5 million viewer votes garnered, the   Idols SA   season 18 top 10 has been decided. They are: CeeJay, Kabelo, Lerato, Mpilwenhle, Noxolo, Nozi, Tesmin-Robyn, Thapelo, Ty Loner, and Zee.  Na rrowly missing out were Hope and Nandi.   Opening the live show was Mpilwenhle performing Amanda Black’s hit   Kahle , to unanimous praise from the judges. Somizi Mhlongo said: “You are living your name: impilo yinhle. You deserve to be where you are.”   JR Bogopa added: “Clearly, South Africa did not make a mistake. You were born for that stage.”   Next to be announced was Thapelo, who sang Celine Dion’s classic   All By Myself . The judges were happy with his performance, with Thembi Seete saying: “I know why Mzansi is falling in love with you – it’s because you are yourself. The approach you took to the song was perfect for you.”   Tesmin-Robyn sang Moneoa’s   More Than You , getting a lukewarm response from the judges. Somizi ca

  THE MANSION  LAUNCHING SEPTEMBER 2022     With yet another major career move, media personality and powerhouse businesswoman Minnie Dlamini today announced her latest venture The Mansion, as she acquired a part ownership of the luxury venue. Officially set to open it’s door this week, the Centurion based restaurant and night club, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the innercity, will target a young affluent African market in the surrounding areas. The boys came out in numbers to play with other Kidz. Set to offer thee ultimate summer experience, this luxurious, slick and elegant hangout spot will serve delectable food, an endless selection of premium drinks with the coolest trendy music in the background. Moshe Ndiki Melanie Bala Mabhle Shawn MaMkhize Ranging from Hip Hop to Amapiano and also R&B, the venue will host a series of different themed party nights from Thursday to Sunday, and will be open 7 days a week.  Unathi Zizo Beda It's a always a party When Maphorisa i

  CELEBS TAKE THE PLUNGE TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR SPECIAL OLYMPIC NATIONAL GAMES       The annual Special Olympics South Africa Polar Plunge is back!  Now, in its  6 th  year,  over 150 celebs and well-known personalities have already committed to taking the plunge into icy water to help raise funds for the 2022 Special Olympics South Africa National Games taking place in Limpopo in October.   Last year Special Olympics South Africa, a sport for development NGO, received overwhelming support from celebrities, personalities, media and corporate South Africa raising over R120k. A further R 100k was pledged but those funds are still outstanding. Funds raised last year were in support of the Special Olympics South Africa’s National Teams participation in the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Russia but these games were understandably cancelled. These funds have been now been committed to also support this year’s National Summer Games   This year’s participants will once again the

Get ready for a globe-trotting explosion of sounds, street food and high fashion while fighting hunger by donating to Chefs with Compassion! Sweet, umami and spice – and everything that’s nice! The flavours and sounds of the globe will meet in South Africa on 24 and 25 September 2022, when the DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival returns to Joburg’s Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit with the latest in gourmet street food trends and a mouth-watering buffet of musical talent – plus the opportunity to take home an exclusive recipe book and contribute to the fight against hunger. More names will soon be announced to add to the scorching local and international musicline-up already unveiled – including international acts Burna Boy , Stereo MCs , Digable Planets and Babyface , as well as local music superstars such as Simphiwe Dana , Zenzi Makeba Lee and Msaki and spoken-word maestro Lebo Mashile . In the meantime, foodies have lots to look forward to over this Heritag

Producer, songwriter and DJ, Nico Efstratiou has been announced as the third round winner of the Hunter’s X Jacquel Culture House (JCH) talent incubator on the third episode aired on MTV Base, Tuesday (30 August 2022) evening.   The aspiring artist was drawn into the initiative by the names involved in the project. “Sun EL-Musician and Tresor are extremely influential in their unique ways, and a chance to work with any of them is crazy. On top of that, Hunters and JCH just added another layer of professionalism to the project,” says Nico. On what it feels like to be crowned the third-round winner, Nico says, “It feels so weird but in a good way. It hits me at random times in the day, and I never really feel like I absorb it. It feels so surreal to be chosen to work alongside artists who have had such a big impact on my personal sound and the South African, and global music scene”.    Born and raised in East London in the Eastern Cape. Nico Efstratiou picked up his first musical instrum

Romance, rivalry and revenge – that’s what Mzansi Magic viewers can expect when the country’s most buzzed-about show,  The Wife , premieres on the channel on 12 September. The hit show, which is a Showmax Original, will air three nights a week – Compact subscribers can catch it every Monday to Wednesday at 21h30. Mzansi Magic viewers can also enjoy the omnibus on Saturdays from 21h30-23h00. The most-watched series in Showmax history,  The Wife  has broken several records on the platform. The premiere of the recently concluded season 2 enjoyed the most first-day views on the streaming service – beating its own previous record for the season 1 premiere. “Having seen its impressive and record-breaking performance on Showmax, we have decided to bring  The Wife  to our DStv Compact subscribers so that they can get in on the action. We know that our viewers will fall in love with the story and its characters. It’s a show that has resonated deeply with many, and we’re glad to bring all of our

  Deep house maestro Chymamusique emerged victorious at tonight’s #SAMA28. He picked up gongs in the hotly contested categories of Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for Musique. This brings his tally to three after he also won Best Dance Album in last night’s event.   Zakes Bantwini and Kasango went into the night with multiple nominations and left with two trophies for SAMRO Highest Radio Airplay Composers Award for Osama and Best Collaboration for the same hit.   In the public voted categories, Haksul Muziq stunned viewers when he was announced as SAMPRA Artist of the Year, beating formidable competition in that category.   Makhadzi’s  Ghanama featuring Prince Benza won the TECNO Music Video of the Year award, while Vula Mlomo by Musa Keys was voted TECNO Record of the Year. In the inaugural TikTok Viral Song of the Year award, uMlando by 9umba, Mdoovar and Toss clinched a win.   Other notable winners were Khanyisile Mthetwa for White Star Newcomer of the Year for African