Latest news with #HopeMbhele
The South African
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Tbo Touch and Hope Mbhele to host Executive Concerts marquee
Radio powerhouse Tbo Touch and media personality Hope Mbhele are joining forces to host one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Executive Concerts luxury marquee at the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025. The dynamic duo promises an unforgettable mix of style, sophistication, and show-stopping entertainment at South Africa's biggest lifestyle and horse racing spectacle. With radio icon Tbo Touch and media darling Hope Mbhele hosting, guests can expect nonstop glamour, incredible music and networking. Executive Concerts is known for curating premium lifestyle events across Africa, consistently elevating hospitality standards and reshaping South Africa's social scene. Topping this year's Durban July schedule, the Executive Concerts marquee blends five-star hospitality with avant-garde fashion and bespoke entertainment. Its invitation list features Africa's leading executives, innovators and tastemakers, ensuring unmatched networking, cultural immersion and elevated celebration experiences. 'Executive Concerts is about more than just an event. It's about shaping a cultural momentwhere Africa's elite can connect, celebrate, and showcase the best of who we are,' says Andile Chili, founding partner of Executive Concerts Marquee.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Nominees announced for the 12th Annual Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards 2025
L-R Hope Mbhele , Chairperson of the Board at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority Dr Sibusiso Ndebele and Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards 2025 nominee Portia Ncwane Image: supplied KZNTAFA KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) announced the nominees for the 12th annual Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards 2025 on Wednesday, with the awards expected to take place in July. KZNTAFA said that it is a celebration of outstanding talent and creativity in KwaZulu-Natal's ever-evolving film and television industry. 'Under the theme 'Africa's Champions of Storytelling: From Piers to Pages,' this year's nominees reflect the vibrant, diverse, and growing creative talent emerging from the province and beyond. With over 30 categories, the awards continue to celebrate the actors, directors, writers, and behind-the-scenes professionals who continue to shape South Africa's cinematic identity.' The 2025 nominee announcement event was hosted by actress, media personality, and previous nominee of the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards, Hope Mbhele. Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, Chairperson of the Board at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, said that the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards honours the legacy of a true pioneer in South African film, reminding us of the power of storytelling to inspire, challenge, and uplift. As the Authority, we remain committed to nurturing talent and positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a competitive and innovative film hub. Over the past year, we've made deliberate investments in emerging filmmakers, ensuring continued growth and transformation in the sector.' KZNTAFA added that leading this year's nominations list is the much-acclaimed production Umjolo Film Slate, recognised across multiple film performance and directing categories. 'It is followed by the BET Original Production A Wesley South African Christmas, and close behind are audience favourites Smoke & Mirrors and Uzalo, which all showcase KZN's remarkable local storytelling talent and production quality.' KZNTAFA said that nominations span over 30 categories, including Best Actor and Actress in TV and Film, Best Director, Best Use of KZN as a Filming Location, Best Documentary, Best Feature and Short Film, Best Student Film, and more — reflecting a wide cross-section of the creative sector. Mbuso Khoza, nominated for Best Supporting Actor in Film for Masinga the Calling, said that 'This nomination is a celebration of where we come from as artists. The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards honour stories rooted in who we are as Africans — spiritual, emotional, proud. I am humbled to be recognised for a role that honours our ancestors and the sacred responsibility of storytelling.' Edwin Cole, who was nominated for Best Cinematography category for the movie Highway Sheila: Resurrection, said that he is truly humbled by this recognition. 'Working on Highway Sheila: Resurrection was an unforgettable journey, filled with creative challenges that pushed us to our limits. The early morning shoots, the empty roads, and the freedom to craft each frame made this project special. I'm grateful to Arish Sirkissoon and the entire Lx Seth team for their trust and collaboration. This nomination is a win for all of us.' Arish Sirkissoon, Director of Highway Sheila: Resurrection, said that 'It's an incredible honour to have Highway Sheila: Resurrection acknowledged by such a respected awards body. 'I am so proud of Edwin Cole and his well-deserved nomination. His commitment to the project was unmatched — not only did he craft the visual language of the film, but he also brilliantly portrayed the iconic character of Shambies. We often found ourselves shooting at 4 AM on deserted highways to achieve the perfect shots. Independent films like ours need to be celebrated and embraced by mainstream audiences, and I'm proud that this film is part of that movement.' BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards: spotlight on nominees Nelisiwe Sibiya, Menzi Biyela, and Kwenzo Ngcobo
Actress Hope Mbhele who hosted the nomination announcement, KZNTAFA Chair Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, and Portia Ncwane who is nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film and Best Isizulu Film. The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority has announced the nominees for the 12th annual Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards. Under the theme 'Africa's Champions of Storytelling: From Piers to Pages,' this year's nominees reflect the vibrant, diverse, and growing creative talent emerging from the province and beyond. Leading this year's nominations list is the Stained Glass movie series, 'Umjolo' is leading with seven nominations for the different movies released on Netflix. Four nominations for 'Umjolo: Gone Girl' and the actors who received nominations include Sibongiseni Shezi, Sibusisiwe Jili, Menzi Biyela and Gugu Gumede.
TimesLIVE
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
T'bo Touch, Hope Mbhele to host Executive Concerts luxe marquee at Durban July
Executive Concerts aims to redefine luxury hospitality at the 2025 Durban July with the unveiling of its exclusive marquee experience, which it promises will be a high-end lifestyle affair with elegance, culture and unforgettable entertainment. Taking place on July 5 at Greyville Racecourse, the Executive Concerts marquee is positioned as one of the premier events on the Durban July calendar. This year's marquee will bring together some of Africa's top business leaders, creatives and cultural tastemakers for a day of five-star hospitality, bespoke fashion and curated entertainment. The event will be hosted by media mogul T'bo Touch and business personality Hope Mbhele. 'Executive Concerts is about more than an event. It's about shaping a cultural moment where Africa's elite can connect, celebrate and showcase the best of who we are,' said Andile Chili, founding partner of the Executive Concerts Marquee. The entertainment line-up promises to keep energy levels soaring, with headline performances by amapiano sensation Kabza De Small, vocalist Nkosazana Daughter, DJ Merlon and crowd favourite Stanky. Fans can also expect surprise guest appearances. Executive Concerts says its marquee experience is set to become the ultimate destination for those seeking an exclusive, stylish and culturally rich celebration at the Durban July.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Durban's elite gather for the vibrant launch of 'Shaka iLembe' season 2
Wiseman Mncube, Lemogang Tsipa and Thembinkosi Mthembu during an activation event at Gateway Mall in Umhlanga for the second season of 'Shaka iLembe' season two. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo Independent Newspaper In a stunning display of culture and celebration, Durban's social elite turned out in full force to support the activation of the much-anticipated second season of Mzansi Magic's hit series, "Shaka iLembe". The event took place at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga, drawing an impressive crowd of local personalities who were all keen to participate in this unique celebration of storytelling. Among the distinguished guests were actress Asavela Mqokiyana, comedian Siyanda Maphumulo, radio presenter Darren Mule and popular Ukhozi FM DJ Dudu 'Lady D' Khoza. The festivities were hosted by actress Hope Mbhele. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo 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 ✕ The event was hosted by actress Hope Mbhele, who dazzled attendees in traditional attire, embodying the spirit of African heritage. The festivities kicked off with a captivating performance by singer Zawadi Yamungi, whose melodic African vocals set a remarkable tone for the evening. As the show's famed actors Wiseman Ncube, Lemohang Tsipa and Thembinkosi Mthembu arrived, they were met with an enthusiastic reception, underscoring the audience's affection for the series and its narratives. The 'Shaka iLembe' season two activation festivities kicked off with a captivating performance by singer Zawadi Yamungisinger Zawadi Yamungi. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo This spectacular launch, coinciding with Africa Month celebrations, created a kaleidoscope of colours as attendees donned striking traditional attire. Guests showcased elaborate costumes adorned with luxurious cow skins and intricate beading, reminiscent of the lavish garments seen in the series itself. Mbhele revealed to the audience that KwaZulu-Natal, the birthplace of Shaka Zulu, was chosen as the first location for the show's activation, highlighting the significance of heritage tied to this iconic ruler. During the event, Lady D emphasised the vital role storytelling plays in preserving the isiZulu language, while DJ Tira expressed his gratitude to Mzansi Magic for their investment in the series. 'You can tell that it is money well spent. They respected us and our culture, and told a beautiful story,' he noted, reflecting the pride felt by many collaborators involved in the production. Award-winning content creator Snothando Nkosi dazzled attendees in traditional attire at the event. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo Meanwhile, Mthembu, who portrays Dingiswayo, shared his excitement after viewing a longer trailer for the upcoming season, eagerly anticipating the audience's reaction. He remarked on the changes in his character, emphasising how makeup helped him embody a more mature version of his role. In addition, lead actor Lemogang Tsipa, who takes on the complex role of Shaka, spoke passionately about the challenges faced during filming for season 2. 'It requires so much of us in terms of time, commitment and attention to detail. Overall, it's a massive blessing to be part of history in the making,' he said, underscoring the dedication of the cast to portray this pivotal narrative authentically. "Shaka iLembe" season 2 is scheduled to premiere on June 15, promising to enthral viewers with its stunning narrative and rich cultural tapestry, further solidifying its place as a landmark series in South African television.
