Latest news with #CremeofNature
IOL News
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Simphiwe Dana sparks debate on appreciation vs appropriation in African hair culture
Musician Simphiwe Dana often enlists hairstylist Tumelo Mpholo to help bring her ideas for her African-inspired hairstyles to life. Image: Instagram/Simphiwedana A lot of things may not be certain, but one thing is that African women have been celebrating their crowns and plaiting them in different ways. African women's hairstyles have become a point of discussion after multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, Simphiwe Dana created a public discourse. Dana posted on social media her disappointment over not being acknowledged as inspiration behind the hairstyles on actress Nomzamo Mbatha and "Shaka iLembe". She later deleted the posts from her Instagram and X account. 'Honey, there's a difference between appreciation and appropriation. You're not the only one. I'm fed up. It's deeply disconcerting and cringe,' Dana wrote, with a picture of Mbatha from her Creme of Nature, ambassador reveal. Actress Nomzamo Mbatha was the target of Simphiwe Dana's statement over afro-centric hairstyles, where she wanted credit. Image: setlifestudiossa Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Since ancient times, hair has always been something worth celebrating and Dana has become well known for her afrocentric hairstyles that are inspired by what Africans have been doing. Hairstyles held profound significance in ancient African societies, serving as powerful symbols of an individual's status, economic standing, marital status, and social role. Beyond their aesthetic function, they also played a crucial role in spiritual divination. The late Miriam Makeba was inspired by the hairstyles of the Fulani women of West Africa after she and her husband Stokely Carmichael quit the US and moved to Guinea in the 1970s. Simphiwe Dana rocking one of her signature afro-centric hairstyles that have become a part of her artistic look. Image: Instagram/@simphiwedana The style of the Mangbetu women of the Democratic Republic of Congo have also influenced afrocentric hairstyles. To signify high status within the community, Mangbetu women tightly bind their babies' heads with cloth, fostering an elongated head shape. While Dana is right there is a difference between appreciation and appropriation and while it is well documented that throughout her over 20 year journey in entertainment, she has donned afro-centric hairstyles, and they have become a part of her artistic vision however there is no evidence linking her to the origins of the hairstyle. Countries across Africa have deep historical ties to the evolution of afro-centric hairstyles. More women are coming on the bandwagon and shows like 'Shaka iLembe' are showing the history of hair for more to see. IOL Lifestyle
IOL News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Simphiwe Dana posts and deletes claims of appropriation against Nomzamo Mbatha
Simphiwe Dana was quick with a post and delete post where she expressed disappointment over not being acknowledge as inspiration over a hairstyle. Image: Instagram/simphiwedana Multi-award winning musician Simphiwe Dana recently posted on Instagram and X about her disappointment over not being acknowledged as inspiration behind the hairstyles on actress Nomzamo Mbatha and "Shaka iLembe". While Dana deleted the posts, screenshots of her posts are making rounds online. One thing about internet users is that they have very quick fingertips and just because you delete something doesn't guarantee it will be erased from the internet. 'Honey, there's a difference between appreciation and appropriation. You're not the only one. I'm fed up. It's deeply disconcerting and cringe,' Dana wrote, with a picture of Mbatha from her Creme of Nature, ambassador reveal. The "Ndiredi" hitmaker is well-known for embracing Afrocentric hairstyles, having rocked them for most of her public career. Simphiwe Dana may have deleted her post but internet users have screenshots. Image: Instagram Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Mbatha is also known to embrace her natural hair and often does Afrocentric hairstyles. For "Shaka iLembe", the female characters have Afrocentric hairstyles in line with the timeline of the show. Dana's claims have opened up a conversation online, with some claiming that the hairstyle is historic and the musician has no grounds. @MaBlackFreedomIstyle said: "saseMandulo esakho. This is ancient, before you were even born.🙏🏽are you sure @simphiwedana it's not you who copied the 1st ShakaZulu? Appreciate don't gatekeep historical hairstyles.❤️😅" @TsikaTinadzo·5hQueen, this is petty and beneath you. Your hairstyles aren't unique. You could also be accused of being a "copy cat", "appropriating" ancient West African hair art. Neither Mbatha or the representives of "Shaka iLembe" have responded to the musician's claims but with her having deleted her post, it will be hard for them to do so. Dana earlier this month, expressed how her trust had been taken advantage of. According to the artist, the exploitation began five years ago, and she feels betrayed. 'I'm actually getting madder by the moment. I know I bring genius things. For the past five years, I've been stolen from. And my people have been a part of it. I'm tired. The betrayal is painful,' said Dana. IOL Entertainment
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Simphiwe Dana accuses Nomzamo Mbatha of copying her hairstyle
Simphiwe says she is disappointed in Nomzamo and the 'Shaka iLembe' crew for not acknowledging her as the inspiration. From left to right: Simphiwe Dana and Nomzamo Mbatha. Pictures: Instagram Legendary singer Simphiwe Dana has taken to her social media platforms to blast actress Nomzamo Mbatha. The Ndiredi hitmaker, popularly known for embracing Afrocentric hairstyles, is accusing Mbatha of appropriating her hairstyle without acknowledging her as the inspiration. 'Honey, there's a difference between appreciation and appropriation. You're not the only one. I'm fed up. It's deeply disconcerting and cringe,' Dana wrote, reposting Mbatha's picture on Instagram. Mbatha, who stars in the Mzansi Magic historical drama Shaka iLembe, has been showcasing various traditional hairstyles both on-screen and during promotional appearances for the show. Dana said Mbatha, along with the Shaka iLembe team, should have 'at least acknowledged' her as the inspiration. 'Together with the Shaka iLembe crew. I'm so disappointed. Because I love you,' she said in a now-deleted post on Instagram. She added on X: 'I don't know if it's a lack of creative thinking or what. I don't mind being appreciated. But stealing my brand ideas and not acknowledging me is foul, appropriative and exploitative. Stop. The Citizen has reached out to the Shaka iLembe team and Nomzamo Mbatha for comment. This article will be updated once a response is received. ALSO READ: From haircare to cars: Five SA celebs who recently secured major brand deals Nomzamo Mbatha celebrates African hair globally In June this year, Nomzamo Mbatha was announced as the first South African ambassador for iconic ethnic haircare brand Creme of Nature. Zandi Zinganto, Brand Manager for Creme of Nature South Africa, said Nomzamo is a perfect fit for the brand's 'Rooted in Radiance' campaign. 'Nomzamo embodies the essence of our Rooted in Radiance message. She is powerful, graceful, and celebrates African authenticity in all expressions of her brand image. 'Her partnership with us is not just another beauty campaign, but an ode to authentic African beauty, culture, and the beauty of textured hair in women.' NOW READ: WATCH: Makhadzi takes it back to where it all began 15 years ago ahead of December One Woman Show
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Five SA celebs who recently secured major brand deals
These celebrities are turning fame into powerful business moves. From left to right: Nomzamo Mbatha, Lasizwe Dambuza and Tyla. Pictures: Instagram South African celebrities are racking up major endorsement deals, partnering with both global giants and proudly African brands. From footwear and haircare to beauty and luxury vehicles, these celebrities are turning fame into powerful business moves. ALSO READ: Honor and Blue Bulls announce technology device partnership Here are five SA celebs who recently secured major brand deals Tyla – Nike Nike recently launched its new autumn campaign for the Air Max Muse sneaker, featuring South Africa's very own global star Tyla, alongside American Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles. Unveiled on Thursday, 17 July, the campaign showcases the two powerhouses in a series of striking promotional images. This follows Tyla's major endorsement deal with Nike, which was signed in February of this year. The Grammy Award winner brings a fresh face to the iconic sportswear brand, joining Nike's elite ambassador squad, which includes Drake, Serena Williams, LeBron James, Naomi Osaka, and Cristiano Ronaldo, among others. Nomzamo Mbatha – Creme of Nature Actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha has joined international haircare giant Creme of Nature. In June, she was officially announced as the first-ever South African ambassador for the iconic American-born ethnic haircare brand. 'Nomzamo embodies the essence of our Rooted in Radiance message. She is powerful, graceful, and celebrates African authenticity in all expressions of her brand image. Her partnership with us is not just another beauty campaign, but an ode to authentic African beauty, culture, and the beauty of textured hair in women,' said Zandi Zinganto, Brand Manager for Creme of Nature South Africa. Lasizwe Dambuza – Maybelline New York Africa YouTuber and reality TV star Lasizwe Dambuza made history as the first male brand ambassador for Maybelline New York Africa. In May, as the global beauty brand celebrated its 110th anniversary, Lasizwe took to Instagram to share his excitement. 'Words can't express how grateful I am… Like, I am a whole Maybelline New York Africa ambassador and I got to celebrate the 110th birthday with them,' he wrote. MaWhoo – Spotify EQUAL Africa MaWhoo has been named Spotify's EQUAL Africa Ambassador for July 2025. The EQUAL Africa programme is part of Spotify's global initiative to spotlight and support women creators by equipping them with the tools and platforms they need to thrive in the music industry. 'When you're selected for something like this, it means your name is being mentioned in rooms even when you're not there. 'It speaks to the growth of my career — from being overlooked to now being recognised on such a powerful platform. I'm grateful and deeply honoured,' MaWhoo said in a press statement earlier this month. Rachel Kolisi – Jetour X70 Plus Rachel Kolisi, entrepreneur and estranged wife of Springbok rugby star Siya Kolisi, was announced as the new brand ambassador for Jetour South Africa this month. Jetour partnered with Rachel to promote the brand's latest vehicle, the X70 Plus. Jetour South Africa said Rachel Kolisi is the perfect fit for the Jetour family. 'As a busy working mother, comfort, space, and safety in the vehicle she drives are paramount. As someone constantly on the move between school runs, fitness sessions, business meetings, and family life, Rachel embodies the dynamic spirit of Jetour's flagship seven-seater, the Jetour X70 Plus.' NOW READ: 'You can tell she doesn't know where Thando is' — Sister of missing ex-footballer challenges girlfriend's claim
The South African
20-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Nomzamo Mbatha becomes ambassador for Creme of Nature
Creme of Nature announced global beauty icon and award-winning actress Nomzamo Mbatha as its first-ever South African ambassador. This iconic American-born ethnic haircare brand, with over 65 years of heritage, has officially launched in South Africa. It's launched with its bold new campaign, Rooted in Radiance. Creme of Nature's arrival in South Africa marks a significant milestone for the brand and the local beauty market. The products, renowned for their dedication to textured hair, are now available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, Takealot, and Amazon. They will also launch at Checkers stores in July, according to Glamour . Nomzamo Mbatha expressed her excitement about the partnership. 'I honour the opportunity to represent a brand that celebrates our natural beauty and heritage.' Textured hair is not just about style; it is a powerful expression of identity and confidence. Creme of Nature's commitment to embracing our roots resonates deeply with me.' The Rooted in Radiance campaign goes beyond a tagline, as it is a movement that honours textured hair as a legacy and a radiant symbol of self-expression. The brand's philosophy respects the rich heritage of African beauty and encourages individuals to embrace their natural hair with pride. A spokesperson for Creme of Nature added, 'We are thrilled to partner with Nomzamo Mbatha, whose passion and authenticity perfectly embody our brand values. Our expansion into South Africa allows us to support and empower people with textured hair, providing products that nurture and celebrate their uniqueness.' This launch comes at a time when South African consumers increasingly seek beauty products that reflect their culture and haircare needs. Creme of Nature's presence offers a trusted, heritage-rich option that aligns with local values and styles. Nomzamo Mbatha leads Creme of Nature as it inspires a new era of textured haircare in South Africa—one rooted in pride, heritage, and radiant confidence. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
