Latest news with #DarrenScott
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
AnkleTap says he knew deep down he'd return to the Gauteng airwaves as he joins Jacaranda FM
After nearly two years at YOU FM, Ankletap has joined Jacaranda FM, marking a return to the airwaves in Gauteng. Following his departure from YFM in 2023, radio personality DJ Ankletap joined YOU FM which mainly broadcasts in the North West. 'After 12 incredible years at YFM, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself in a new environment, which is what led me to the North West and YOU FM,' Ankletap tells The Citizen. ALSO READ: Remembering Darren Scott: A radio man's radio man Ankletap's return to Gauteng After nearly two years of growth and learning at YOU FM, Ankletap – real name Bryce Clark – has joined Jacaranda FM, marking a return to the Gauteng airwaves. However, he says this wasn't a plan that he'd been mulling over. 'Not exactly planned in the traditional sense, but I always knew deep down that I'd return to the Gauteng airwaves one day – when the right opportunity came along,' the broadcaster shared. 'But when Jacaranda FM called, I knew this was the station that matched my energy, values, and vision for the next level of my career.' From this Friday, Ankletap will host Party Nights With Ankletap every Friday evening from 7pm to 10pm. He says listeners should expect a mix of the hottest music, honest talk, stories that will have them in stitches, and a whole lot of energy. 'I'm bringing that signature Ankletap humor, flavour and feel-good Friday magic. It's not just a show – it's the start of your weekend party.' ALSO READ: Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp on consistent reinvention as a broadcaster and helping others [VIDEO] The difference in audiences Ankletap boasts more than 15 years in broadcasting and a loyal fanbase across the country; he is a significant fixture in the South African radio scene. 'Every audience has its own rhythm and flavour,' Ankletap says, referring to the disparities in the Gauteng and North West audiences. 'The North West audience is incredibly warm and loyal – they love storytelling, they engage deeply, and they're proud of their identity. Gauteng, on the other hand, is high-paced, fast-moving, and plugged into pop culture 24/7. 'But the beauty of it is I love both. That said, Jacaranda FM broadcasts to Mpumalanga, the North West and Limpopo. I've learned to connect in a way that feels personal, regardless of region.' ALSO READ: Radio 2000 broadcaster Ntombi Meso mends childhood traumas through her children's book Ankletap's passion for great radio Ankletap says one has to bring their 'A-game every time' because the listeners are diverse, sharp, and always ready to be entertained. Party Nights With Ankletap is different from the morning breakfast slot he held at YFM and at YOU FM. But he says 'radio is radio' despite the slot one is in. 'I've done everything from graveyard shifts to midday shows to prime-time breakfast, and of course, I've rocked party shows before too. For me, it's not about the time slot – it's about the connection,' the DJ says. 'My passion is making great radio. Each slot has its own energy and challenges, but at the end of the day, my job is to make people feel something. And Friday nights? That's a vibe I live for.' NOW READ: 'Umjolo' dominates Simon Mabhunu Sabela film and TV awards
News24
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
He fought to the end: Darren Scott's ex-wife sheds light on radio DJ's last years
'Look, it's Daddy!' These are the words shouted by Darren Scott's two sons as they pass a giant billboard promoting their father's drive radio show on Hot 102.7 in Johannesburg. The picture of their dad is more tribute than advert now, but for Mark (13) and Matthew (11) it's still touching to see his face looming large over a busy Joburg street and know he's still part of the city. The boys live in the US now with their mother, Sarah-Kate Accetta, and they've flown over with her for their father's memorial service. Even though their dad fought cancer for four decades, his recent death still came as a shock, Sarah-Kate, Darren's ex-wife, tells YOU. 'We saw him just two months ago when he came out to visit us in Dallas,' she says. 'No one thought it would be the last time.' Sarah-Kate (41) and the boys are staying in Darren's house in Eagle Canyon, Roodepoort, which is a great comfort, she says. 'I really didn't want to stay in a cold hotel room. 'It's been a healing process for me and the boys. Last night we found a bunch of old photos in a drawer and we were just laughing and crying as we went through them.' The former Miss SA and Miss World runner-up and Darren were together for 12 years and married for six, weathering plenty of storms, including Darren's notorious sacking from SuperSport in 2011 and their eldest son's battle with kidney cancer. Mark was just a year old when he was diagnosed but he was declared cancer-free a year later after intensive chemo (YOU, 28 November 2013). Darren and Sarah-Kate divorced in 2015 but remained friends and committed co-parents. In the ensuing years she married Marc Accetta (63), an American motivational speaker she met when he was working in SA, and three years ago they moved to the US. 'It was actually Darren who wanted me to take the boys to America after he had a hijacking scare here,' she says. 'He was worried for their safety.' Despite his health issues and work schedule, Darren visited as often as he could. His last visit was 'the most special', Sarah-Kate says. 'We spent a lot of time talking and crying together. I could see he was tiring very quickly. He kept saying he just wanted to see his boys turn 21 Sarah-Kate Accetta But when he returned to SA, doctors discovered the immunotherapy he'd been on since 2022 was no longer doing its job. The treatment works by boosting the body's immunity to fight the cancer cells but, while it had bought him some time, things were looking dire. 'His oncologist called and told me Darren had just days to live,' Sarah-Kate says. Yet he hung on for weeks, drifting in and out of a coma in his hospital bed. In the end his body gave out. 'He was too weak but he fought until the end.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by SARAH-KATE ACCETTA (@ Darren, who worked at many of SA's biggest radio stations, was best known for his biting humour and unfiltered opinions. But his tongue cold land him in trouble too. The most controversial incident was when he called a SuperSport colleague the k-word during an outing at a bar while he was working as a presenter for the rugby show Boots & All. The backlash was fierce and Darren was fired from the TV channel and booted off Jacaranda Radio. He issued a public apology and the incident took a heavy toll on him, Sarah-Kate says. 'I was on suicide watch with him at the time. He absolutely hated himself – he had such remorse.' Darren fell into a depression and started hitting the booze and their marriage suffered badly, Sarah-Kate says. Their divorce was a result of 'stacked decisions', she says, but their bond persevered nonetheless. 'I used to joke that me and Darren were way better as friends than we were as husband and wife. He was my best friend,' she says. On his career she says, 'Radio was always the love of his life, but his kids gave him life. Being a dad shifted something in him.' Last year Darren was inducted into the Radio Awards Hall of Fame in SA after marking four decades behind the microphone. Beyond his professional achievements, he was also committed to charitable endeavours and spearheaded initiatives such as Wings of Change and Hot Cares, aiming to uplift and support those in need. In 2022 he moved to the US to be nearer his boys and his dad, Harry Scott (90), who has dementia. 'He was very close to his dad and after Harry remarried and moved to the US, Darren wanted to spend time with him as his dementia was progressing.' In 2024 Darren returned to SA after being offered the afternoon drive slot at Hot FM. In his last TV interview before his death, Darren shed light on his situation. 'I live alone here now and I work radio to cover my bills,' he said. 'It's not my first rodeo.' Darren was diagnosed with an aggressive form of melanoma back in 1986, a result, he said, of all the years he spent in the sun. In the ensuing years it spread and he had multiple surgeries, including the removal of parts of his lung, chin and lymph nodes. Darren's biggest worry was his medical costs, Sarah-Kate says, and he didn't have medical aid. Immunotherapy costs around R80 000 a session and is needed every three weeks, and it was 'a merciless merry-go-round'. Earlier this year she went against Darren's wishes and started a BackaBuddy campaign to help raise funds for him. 'He absolutely didn't want me to do it – he was too proud. But I did it anyway.' The irony was he was the first to help others but wouldn't take help himself Sarah-Kate Accetta On Facebook, she didn't hold back on the urgency, making it clear it was no vanity project but a bid to stop the cancer before time ran out. 'For every shared post, every kind comment, and every donation – you are the ubuntu that the USA will never know!' she wrote. On 14 May a benefit concert was held in Joburg to help raise funds for Darren and on the bill were artists such as Just Jinger, Jesse Clegg, Kurt Darren and Louise Carver. Sarah-Kate says she believes there's 'a great radio show happening right now up in heaven' featuring Darren, Mark Pilgrim and Jeremy Mansfield, all veteran radio DJs and pals who succumbed to cancer. Darren's spirit lives on in their boys, she adds. 'Matthew looks like Darren and has a lot of his mannerisms, but Mark definitely has his confidence and gift of the gab.' She recently entered the workplace again, signing to a modelling agency in the US after being a stay-at-home mom. 'The boys are getting older now and they don't need me as much.' SA will always be home, she adds, and they plan to return as often as possible. 'There are so many memories here for us.'
The South African
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
RIP Darren Scott: SA stars who lost their battle with cancer
Popular shock jock Darren Scott's death has no doubt came as a shock to many South Africans. Earlier this week, the veteran radio presenter lost his long battle with melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. The 61-year-old former – who worked for 5FM, East Coast Radio, and more recently, HOT 102.7FM r- His funeral details have yet to be made public. On Tuesday, 27 May, South Africans woke up to the sad news of Darren Scott's passing. The radio star had been diagnosed with melanoma in 1986, which recently turned aggressive in 2023. He leaves behind an ex-wife, Sarah-Kate, and two sons, Matthew and Mark. Sadly, Darren Scott is not the only well-known South African who lost their battle with cancer. Don Mlangeni In April, the former Isidingo actor died after a brief battle with prostate cancer. The veteran actor kept his illness a secret from the public. Michelle Botes In December 202, one of SA soapie's original villains- the actress who played Cherel De Villiers- died of a rare and incurable blood cancer. Zoleka Mandela In 2023, the granddaughter of the late Nelson Mandela lost her battle with breast cancer, which had tragically spread throughout her body. Derek Watts Like Darren Scott, the former Carte Blanche presenter, also died from an aggressive form of melanoma. Angie Oeh The Afrikaans rapper – real name Angelique Greeff – lost her battle with stage four lung cancer in 2023. She was just 24 years old. James Alexander In 2023, the Binnelanders actor died after a secret four-year battle with head and neck cancer. He was 45 years old. Mark Pilgrim The beloved radio personality died from stage four lung cancer in 2023. Mark had shared his year-long cancer battle with his fans on his social media accounts. Jeremy Mansfield In 2022, Jeremy – also a veteran radio presenter – died after being diagnosed with stage four liver cancer just months earlier. 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.
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Weekly entertainment roundup: mourning legends Darren Scott and Presley Chweneyagae amidst wedding bells and baby bumps
South Africa mourns the passing of Presley Chweneyagae, who has died at 40. Image: Supplied/DStv Stay up-to-date with the dynamic world of celebrities and entertainment with our weekly round-up which covers everything from lavish celebrity weddings, new music collaborations to touching tributes of legendary icons in the entertainment industry. Here is your weekly catch-up of entertainment news: 1. Heartfelt tributes pour in for radio legend, Darren Scott Tributes have been pouring in on social media following the death of South African veteran radio host Darren Scott. Scott had been diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma. The radio station he was working at, Hot 1027 FM, announced his passing on social media. They wrote: 'It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of a Hot 1027 radio legend. Earlier today, Darren Scott lost his battle to cancer.' 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 ✕ South Africans paid tribute to radio legend, Darren Scott after he lost his battle to cancer Image: X/@NeilFrankl13288 2. Presley Chweneyagae dies at 40 Renowned actor Presley Chweneyagae passed away on Tuesday, May 27. His death was confirmed by Nina Morris Lee, the CEO of talent company Moonyeenn Lee & Associates. "It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa's most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae," the statement read. South Africa mourns after learning about the passing of 'Tsotsi' star Presley Chweneyagae. Image: Supplied/DStv 3. Miss World 2025 Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg shines on a global stage Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, Miss World South Africa 2025, won the World Designer Award for Africa at the global Miss World Top Model Competition. Representing the nation in a custom-made off-the-shoulder dress that paid tribute to the vibrant flora in Mzansi, Jansen van Rensburg strutted the runway at the prestigious contest, which took place recently in India. Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg's custom-made dress that earned her the World Designer Award for Africa. Image: Instagram/Miss World 4. Eben and Anlia Etzebeth announce that they expecting baby number two Springboks star, Eben Etzebeth and his wife, Anlia, have shared the joyous news that they are expanding their family! Taking to social media, they announced that they are expecting a baby girl. 'Can't wait to welcome our little wildflower girl!' the couple excitedly posted, sharing snippets of their family life that resonate deeply with their followers. Eben Etzebeth with his wife and daughter as they announce that they are expecting a second baby, and also confirming that it is a girl. Image: Instagram 5. Viola Davis slams white genocide in SA US actress Viola Davis took to social media to slam the allegations of 'white genocide' in SA. In an Instagram post, Davis shared that she has been to many parts of SA, including Cape Town and Durban, and that she has seen the impacts that apartheid still has in SA. She added that she stands with her brothers and sisters in SA. American actress, Viola Davis has slams the "white genocide" propaganda that is being pushed by Donald Trump and Elon Musk in the US. Image: Viola Davis/Facebook 6. Lindsay Lohan slams plastic surgery rumours US actress Lindsay Lohan has finally addressed the plastic surgery rumours that she has been embroiled in. In a recent interview with 'ELLE' magazine, the 38-year-old revealed that she drinks juice concoctions, a lot of green tea, as well as lemon juice. She admitted that she also does Botox and used to do laser treatments, which she later stopped doing due to her skin's sensitivity. Lindsay Lohan claims she hasn't had any plastic surgery done. Image: Instagram / lindsaylohan 7. DJ Zinhle and Sweet Guluva team up for new single 'Sweet Guluva' DJ Zinhle took to social media to announce her latest collaboration with 'Big Brother Mzansi" season 5 winner, Sweet Guluva. The award-winning DJ shared that the inspiration behind the single 'Sweet Guluva' was sparked by her admiration for him and is also somewhat of a trip down memory lane. The single is set to drop on Friday, June 6. DJ Zinhle has collaborated with 'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 winner, Sweet Guluva for a new song. Image: Facebook 8. Kelvin Momo's cancellation of three shows raises concerns amongst fans Kelvin Momo has missed three shows yet again, even after he was embroiled in an international lawsuit for missing shows. The amapiano sensation missed three recent gigs this past weekend, citing health issues. Fans, however, are concerned about his 'no-show' stunts as he is headlining the highly anticipated Red Bull Symphonic event, which is set to take place for three days in June. Kelvin Momo's fans are concerned after he missed three performances ahead of the Red Bull Symphonic. Image: Instagram 9. Demi Lovato ties the knot Demi Lovato is officially married! The US singer tied the knot with her partner of three years, Jordan 'Jutes' Lutes. After getting engaged in December 2023, Lovato walked down the aisle in a custom-made Vivienne Westwood wedding dress. In an interview with 'Vogue', Lovato shared that she felt like the dress was made for her and she felt special in it. Demi Lovato in a custom Vivienne Westwood wedding dress. Image: X 10. "Muvhango" bows out as new telenovela 'Pimville Queens' is introduced After years of a massive decline in viewership numbers and potential cancellation, this popular show will no longer be seen on our TV screens. SABC 2 decided to cancel "Muvhango," with final episodes airing until July. A new show, 'Pimville Queens', will be replacing the soapie, which is set to premiere in August.
The South African
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Government saddened by the death of Darren Scott
Government has extended its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of veteran broadcaster Darren Scott, who has passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Scott was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma, a battle he fought for decades. The Hot 102.7FM presenter was a household name whose voice and presence shaped South African radio for over four decades. In a statement on Wednesday, Government Communication and Information System Acting Director- General Nomonde Mnukwa said Scott's legacy as a broadcaster and passionate storyteller will forever be remembered. 'His talent and versatility earned him over 30 Liberty Radio Award nominations and 14 wins, including multiple Best Breakfast Presenter accolades. 'His legacy as a broadcaster and passionate storyteller will forever be remembered. May his soul rest in peace,' Mnukwa said. On Tuesday, Hot 102.7FM said he was a beloved voice on the airwaves who had showed grit, humour and determination in dealing with his illness. The station said he will be remembered for his passion for radio, wit, creativity and charitable work. Darren Scott marked 40 years in radio last year and was inducted into the Radio Awards Hall of Fame, which Hot 102.7FM said was a fitting honour for a man who gave everything to the medium he loved. The station added that Scott was many things: a gifted communicator, a music lover, a sports encyclopaedia, a deeply spiritual soul, and a loyal friend. But above all, he was radio. Over the course of four decades, he made his mark at some of the country's most recognisable stations from Radio Bop and 5FM to Jacaranda, East Coast Radio, and eventually Hot 102.7FM, where his voice became a cornerstone of the brand. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending 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.
