Latest news with #Madiba


The South African
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Superstar Tyla surprises Mollwane Madiba at matric dance
Grammy Award-winning singer Tyla made a surprise appearance at Mollwane Madiba's matric dance, turning the event into a night no one will soon forget. Madiba, a Grade 12 learner, had launched a viral campaign months ago, inviting Tyla to be his date for the big night. Many doubted she would show up. Even Madiba himself admitted, 'I honestly thought it was a long shot. But I had to try. Tyla is an inspiration to us all.' The 5FM team, who had been supporting Madiba's campaign, presented him with a life-size cardboard cutout of Tyla, dressed in her iconic Jacquemus Met Gala look, according to IOL. Laughter filled the suite as Madiba posed with the cutout, saying, 'I guess this is as close as I'll get!' But the real magic was yet to come. As the night unfolded, Tyla herself walked in, holding Madiba's arm. Dressed in a sleek black gown, she instantly became the centre of attention. The crowd erupted. Phones flashed. Videos and photos flooded Instagram and TikTok within minutes. 'It was unreal,' said one student. 'We all screamed. No one could believe it was her.' The singer presence electrified the room. She joined Madiba on the dance floor, moving to her chart-topping hits. Students sang along, their voices echoing through the hall. Tyla later said, 'I couldn't miss this. Mollwane's determination touched me. South African youth have so much spirit.' The hashtag #moandtylaformd quickly trended on South African social media. Madiba's accounts exploded with messages of support and congratulations. 'You did it, bro!' read one comment. Another fan wrote, 'Tyla, you made history tonight!' The event was a celebration of dreams, community, and the power of social media. Tyla's appearance lifted everyone's spirits and gave Madiba a night he'll never forget. 'This is the best night of my life,' Madiba said, beaming. 'Tyla, thank you for making my dream come true.' The singer's willingness to honour a fan's request shows the strong connection between South African artists and their supporters. 'We are a nation that stands together,' Tyla shared. 'Tonight, we danced as one.' 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.


The Citizen
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Dream comes true for student who managed to get Tyla as his date for his matric dance
Matriculant Mollwane Madiba's dream came true when Grammy award-winning singer Tyla showed up to his matric dance. A dream come true: matric student Mollwane Madiba with his date, Tyla at his matric dance. Picture: @BALUCIAGA/X Dreams come true for those who are persistent and patient enough. These words hold true for matric student Mollwane Madiba. After months of campaigning like a politician in election season and with a child-like conviction that was borderline delusional, Madiba's dream of having Grammy award-winning singer Tyla as his matric dance partner come true. The South African global star attended the matric dance after many people thought Madiba's dream wouldn't become a reality. Even a day before the dance, doubt began to creep in as Madiba started asking people who might be interested in being his date to reach out to him. 'I just got to Sandton to get my suit, I don't want to go to this dance alone,' he said in a video. 'If there's anyone who wants to go with me, message me ASAP [as soon as possible].' ALSO READ: Tyla performs at Mercedes-Benz launch in Rome as student campaigns to get singer as his matric dance date [VIDEO] Getting Tyla to his matric dance Not only has Madiba used TikTok to show his seriousness in getting Tyla's attention, but he also got his schoolmates to join in the movement. In one video students ask 'Who do you think Mollwane is taking to MD?' followed by responses of 'Tyla, obviously.' Using the hashtag #MOandTYLAForMD, almost all the videos feature Tyla's song Push 2 Start. Madiba has seemingly met Tyla, as he has a photo of himself with the Water singer. In one video shot in what appears to be a school library, the photo of the two is displayed prominently on bookshelves, walls and wherever it can be seen. ALSO READ: WATCH: Tyla's big Nickelodeon night — hosting, slime, and a major win Tyla's big Nickelodeon night Real name Tyla Laura Seethal, the 23-year-old singer recently became the first African artist to host the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards — the global show that celebrates the biggest stars in television, music, film and digital media, all voted for by children. Tyla was nominated in two categories – favourite global music star and favourite music collaboration for Show Me Love, her track with WizTheMc and Bees & Honey. Tyla opening the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. — ToonHive (@ToonHive) June 22, 2025 She walked away with the favourite global music star award, beating nominees from six other regions: Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, North America and the UK. Accepting her award, Tyla said she was proud to represent Africa on the global stage. 'This means the world to me — to represent Africa on a global stage and be recognised by all of you amazing kids out there… wow. Thank you for believing in me and dancing with me. Africa to the world!' she said. NOW READ: How life has changed for Uyanda Hlangabezo after being on Big Brother Mzansi

IOL News
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
WATCH: Grammy Award-winning Tyla makes Mollwane Madiba's matric dance a night to remember
Tyla honours Mollwane Madiba's matric dance invite after supporters were convinced she would not make it. Image: Instagram. In a heartwarming turn of events, Grammy Award-winning singer Tyla actually made it to Mollwane Madiba's matric dance, despite Madiba earlier announcing that she would not make it. The grade 12 student's viral campaign to get Tyla to his matric dance had a lot of his supporters excited as they rooted for him, and her sudden arrival left everyone's jaw on the floor. Madiba's determination and creativity paid off, as Tyla rocked the dance floor, stunning in a black dress that perfectly hugged her curves. As she took to the dance floor holding on to Madiba's arms, the crowd erupted in excitement and screams. The students could not help but bring out their phones to take videos and pictures of the epic moment. A night to remember The night of Madiba's matric dance was one for the books. It all started with a hilarious surprise from the 5FM team, who were assisting him in his quest to get Tyla to attend. As he got ready for the big night in an unnamed suite, the team brought out a life-size cardboard cutout of Tyla, in her stunning Jacquemus design Met Gala look from earlier this year. The team was trying to keep things light and fun, and Madiba couldn't help but laugh at the unexpected surprise. But little did the people know, the real surprise was yet to come. As the night continued, Tyla made a surprise appearance as Madiba came in with Tyla on his arm and walked through the crowd of students who went into a frenzy. Many supporters had their eyes on Madiba's matric dance night and when the 'Push 2 Start' hitmaker actually made it to the dance, social media was buzzing with reactions, with Madiba's Instagram and TikTok blowing up with comments and congratulations. Tyla brings the heat to Mollwane's matric dance Tyla's appearance was the highlight of the night, with everyone losing their minds over her stunning presence. She rocked the dance floor and played her chart-topping hits, getting everyone in the mood to party as they all sang along. Madiba was over the moon, sharing the stage with Tyla as everyone chanted 'Tyla, we wanna party!'. The night was electric, with Tyla playing her music and the students dancing the night away. His matric dance will go down in history as one of the most epic matric dances in the season, thanks to Tyla honouring Madiba's six-months long invite. Madiba's supporters were overjoyed, and their reactions said it all. 'As a country we are proud ♥️🔥,' said TikTok user @rayraymotivates95. Another TikTok user @refiloesibisi01 praised Madiba's social media influence and marketing skills, encouraging him to pursue a career in those fields. 'This kid can be a Marketing and Advertising genius, this has been such a thorough campaign,' she said.

IOL News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Mollwane Madiba's matric dance dreams dashed: Tyla won't be attending!
Mollwane Madiba's creative pursuit to invite Grammy-winning singer Tyla to his matric dance has culminated in an unforeseen development: he will now celebrate the event without his dream date. Image: Instagram. It is going to be a Tyla-less matric dance for Mollwane Madiba. Madiba, son of Princess Tirelo Molotlegi of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, is set for his much-anticipated matric dance today, June 27. However, his dream date, Grammy Award-winning singer Tyla, will unfortunately not be present. It has been months of endless creativity and determination, despite his creative efforts to woo her, including multiple viral TikTok challenges and support from 5FM, Tyla's absence is now a reality. Madiba's journey began in January when he and his friends took to TikTok to help the student ask Tyla to be his matric dance date. Showcasing his school spirit and dedication to the singer, he gathered his schoolmates to create a visually stunning TikTok video, showcasing their school spirit, support for Mollwane, and his devotion to the 'Push 2 Start' hitmaker. The first video, which was the most popular, featured students asking, 'Who do you think Mollwane is taking to MD?' followed by all of them answering 'Tyla, obviously' since it's well known that Madiba is one of Tyla's biggest fans. His videos garnered significant attention, with over 200 000 likes and 3 000 comments, as fans and fellow students rallied behind him. To assist him, 5FM's Jodell Tantji jumped on board and went on a mission with his co-hosts to help Madiba get the 23-year-old global star to be his matric dance date. A lot transpired, and necessary people were contacted. Tantji contacted Tyla's manager and her brother, Tyrese Seethal, but these efforts were met with a dead end. In a recent TikTok video, Madiba informed everyone who supported his quest that Tyla would not be attending as his date and thanked them for rallying behind him since the inception of his idea. 'Unfortunately, Tyla cannot make it, but I'd like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for all the support and all the videos. It's been six months, and we have been pushing since the 18th of January when my friends made that post,' said Madiba. He adds that the journey has been interesting and fun, and that he will still have fun with his friends despite Tyla not being present at his matric dance. Many supporters, including Madiba, were hopeful that she would attend, but given her global superstar status, it is understandable that her schedule just wouldn't allow for it. However, Madiba's creative campaign has definitely made him a star. His dedication and passion for the singer have made a lot of people proud, and his name is now synonymous with determination and creativity.

IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
The Hangout: One love
Mandela Day is around the corner, and with it comes the Mandela Day Campaign. It is a call to action for people everywhere to spread love and kindness for 67 minutes on the day. These 67 minutes represent the 67 years that Madiba devoted his life to fighting for human rights, justice, and the abolition of apartheid. We still feel the ripple effects of apartheid today because every action has a reaction. As hard as it has been to heal our beautiful country and its beautiful people, to mend broken fences and broken hearts, it has also been incredible to witness how far we've come as a colourful, vibrant, shining rainbow nation. I'll be the first to admit that I'm no expert when it comes to complicated topics like politics or religion, which often stir up strong feelings. But what I do know is this. For the most part, we South Africans are a kind, caring, loving bunch. We are a people of heart. We come together to help. We come together to uplift. And we always seem to find a way to keep going, even when times are tough. So please mark your calendars for 18 July, the day we celebrate Nelson Mandela's birthday. There is something incredibly special about that date, and not just because of Madiba. Some remarkable people share a birthday with our beloved former president. The late Piet Botha, a gentle giant in the music world, was one of them. He quietly supported and uplifted so many within the industry, bringing people together in a way that only he could. The world has felt a little dimmer since his light went out. Another soul born on this day is Cito, the lead singer of Wonderboom, an amazing band that has been rocking us since the mid-nineties. Cito does more for animal welfare than anyone I know. He is also deeply committed to helping his fellow musicians and the music industry at large. Most of what he does, he does quietly and without fuss. In my opinion, that kind of quiet service makes him another very special kind of angel walking among us. Since 2010, when the United Nations officially declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day, people all over the world have been encouraged to take action and make a difference in their communities. If you are looking for ways to get involved this year, you can visit to sign up and find out more about the Mandela Day Walk and Run. This year, it is all happening on 19 July at DP World Wanderers Stadium. It is a great way to do something meaningful and stay healthy at the same time. Another amazing initiative that perfectly captures the spirit of Mandela Day is 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. Head over to to see how you can join the wonderful 'KnitWits' in helping those whose lives have been affected by poverty and crime. Since its beginning, this project has distributed over 180,000 handmade blankets and hundreds of thousands of scarves to people in need. It has also set four Guinness World Records along the way. Wow.