Latest news with #Mzansi
News24
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Veteran actress Meme Ditshego passes away at 60
Tributes have started pouring in and Mzansi is grieving a great loss of a beloved icon, actress and comedian Meme Ditshego who passed away Tuesday night, June 25, 2025. The devastating news were confirmed by Eye Media Artists, her management agency. 'It is with deep sorrow and reverence that we announce the passing of Meme, a beloved South African actress, legendary comedic talent, and a true veteran of our screen and stage,' reads the opening line of the statement Meme showcased to Mzansi the value of raw talent from her early days working on local shows to her notable roles on MultiChoice, SABC and even Netflix. She evolved beyond just being an entertainer over time, as she was one of her generation's most dynamic entertainers, alternating between making audiences laugh and evoking their emotions moving them to cry at the same time. Read more | Tributes and condolences pour in for Presley Chweneyagae following his passing She began her career in theatre by appearing in classic plays like 'Antigone' progressing on taking roles in children's and educational theatre. Meme starred in a number of noteworthy television plays, such as Joyce Mlambo in 'The Coconuts,' Josephine Ratau in the award-winning comedy 'Ga Re Dumele,' and Elsie in 'Sterk Skemer.' In shows like Soul Buddyz, Jozi-H, The Imposter, Zabalaza, and Broken Vows, she demonstrated her talent for drama. Moreover, she extended her trailblazing career by showcasing her filmmaking abilities by making debuts in Alles Wat Mal Is and Skorokoro. Lastly, her impact on South African television and entertainment was cemented most recently when she made an unforgettable impression as Evelina, Tumi's grandmother on SABC 2's 7de Laan.
IOL News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Bob's back: why this winter's must-have haircut is a cut above the rest
Rachel Kolisi sports a bob this winter. Image: Instagram. The bob haircut, a timeless favourite among style icons, is re-emerging as a must-have trend this season. With its versatile range of cuts, the bob offers a refreshing transformation for anyone looking to elevate their look, making it the perfect choice for winter. In recent weeks, we've seen numerous celebrities sport the classic look in trendy ways. Hollywood starlets like Zendaya, Selena Gomez, Margot Robbie, Kerry Washington, Halle Berry and Emma Stone showcased the bob in its many forms, each interpretation further fueling the trend. Halle Berry. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ On the local front, Mzansi celebrities, including Rachel Kolisi and award-winning rapper Nadia Nakai, were spotted with the sleek look. Media mogul Bonang Matheba also occasionally embraces the bob. South African media darling, Bonang Matheba. Image: Instagram. So, what exactly defines the bob? Traditionally, this hairstyle is cut around the jawline and falls just around the neckline, though modern interpretations also include shoulder-length variants commonly referred to as the "Lob". Nadia Nakai. Image: Instagram. Hairstylist Laurabeth Cabott, founder of Artistry by LB, explained that a classic bob haircut falls between the chin and shoulders, making it one of the most universally flattering styles available. Advice If you're questioning whether a bob suits your face shape, you'll find that bobs can indeed be tailored for many profiles. Celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab mentioned online that different lengths and textures can be customised to enhance individual features. For instance, a round face can benefit from the elongating effect of a bob, while those with an oval face are encouraged to try a chin-length blunt bob styled with waves to accentuate their jawline. Heart-shaped faces are advised to opt for shorter bob cuts that elegantly flip outward at the jaw line, creating an open, flattering look. In contrast, those with square or rectangular faces might prefer a shoulder-length French bob or a Lob with blunt bangs, as these cuts tend to soften angular features while also complementing the overall appearance. Actress Zendaya sports a shoulder-length French bob. Image: Instagram. In essence, the bob is not just a fleeting trend; it is a classic, chic option that continues to transform looks across generations. With styles ranging from sleek and straight to textured and tousled, the bob is an adaptable choice that appeals to various personal styles, hair types and face shapes. The low-maintenance nature of this cut not only solidifies its place as one of the hottest hair trends for the season, but the entire year.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Meet KAIIA: the South African AI with an uncontrollable obsession for KFC
The past few weeks saw a mysterious South African AI launch making headlines and causing a stir on social media. The AI, known as KAIIA, reported to be fluent in 11 local languages, trained for local nuance and fine-tuned to Mzansi culture, was leaked via a network of tech enthusiasts. Bongani Moropa, known as @Bonguhni, posted about KAIIA's fluency in Zulu, remarking on her odd obsession with food. Tech influencer Tyron Tech posted: 'This could be game changing for RSA'. In a surprising turn of events, KAIIA was revealed to be a KFC-obsessed AI in KFC's new for the Taste campaign. She stars in a film that shows, once again, the lengths that some will go to sample KFC's Finger Lickin' Good food. Watch it now: KAIIA is a large language model with the functionality of a normal AI. However, when you speak to her, you will soon find out that not only is she distinctly South African, but that she's also obsessed with chicken. You can engage directly with KAIIA here. KFC Africa chief marketing officer Grant Macpherson says the brand loves pushing boundaries and surprising consumers with its campaigns showing the lengths people (and now an AI) will go to for the taste of KFC. 'The Unofficial Taste Inspector campaign is one everyone remembers, and last year we featured scientists spending a year on Marion Island and pining so hard that two of them set off home in a dinghy on a 2,000km journey across stormy seas clutching a KFC shopping list,' he says. 'This time around, we wanted to tap into the conversations people are having every day —AI, or as I like to call it, 'Are the robots taking over?' The advances in AI are on everyone's lips, so we thought why not put it on everyone's taste buds too? Our idea is to ride the wave of relevance by creating a campaign that taps into the modern zeitgeist, sparks conversation, and gives Mzansi a chance to engage with the tech in a fun and light-hearted way.'
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Holly Rey claps back at critic after being questioned over Hey Neighbour festival slot
From lineup criticism to clapbacks from local artists, this year's Hey Neighbour festival rollout has been anything but quiet. Image: Holly Rey/Instagram Music festival Hey Neighbour is two months away and has released more names of the artists that will be performing. Organisers have announced Grammy award-winning musician Doja Cat and the United Kingdom's trailblazing Central Cee and Leon Thomas as the headline acts. Acts for day 2 are DJ Lochive, Elaine, Akio, DJ Nkosh, Khuli Chana, Holly Rey, Nia Pearl, Tortured Soul, Sun El Musician and Muzi. The first Hey Neighbour festival created major impressions among festival goers, but it seems that this year's lineup might be struggling to live up to the high expectations. Hopeful attendees aren't too impressed with some of the local artists being brought to perform at the festival. @Shaun_thefirst tweeted: 'Guys who is making these decisions!!??' 'Bona themselves do they listen to Holly Rey? Have they ever picked their phone up to play a Holly Rey song? Would you leave your house to go listen to Holly Rey? Name me 5 Holly Rey songs.' However, Holly Rey clapped back and reminded the critic that her music is being listened to by her fans and she is deserving of being on the lineup. 'My bank account, Spotify streams and multiple songs that have gone multi platinum, in more then just Mzansi, would beg to differ, but who am I to argue with a wanna be DJ who puts 'umthandi wegqom' as their bio.' Fans of the festival have mixed reactions to the artists being announced and are making it known. @Miggs_NotMigos said: 'The hey neighbour lineup has me in stitches. 😭 so they spent their whole budget on Central Cee & Doja.. 😭😭' @SupremeShae said: 'Hey Neighbour day 2 line up is looking shaky🤣 only committing to Doja cause my homie wants to see her.' @Cocobby02 said: 'Hey Neighbour's marketing team is probably going through it. Every artist announcement is received with immediate backlash. I really hope they have more up their sleeves.' Hey Neighbour organisers, this year have made changes such as the festival being over two days instead of three. The festival will take place at Legends Adventure Farm, Pretoria on August 30 - 31.
News24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Smurfing across SA: Smurfette and No Name's epic tour before new movie hits cinemas
Smurfette and a new character, 'No Name,' will tour South Africa before the new SMURFS movie is released. The blue duo will tour the country and will make stops at the V&A Waterfront, Garden Route Mall, Ballito, Gold Reef City, and more. In the new film, out in cinemas on 11 July, Smurfette, voiced by Rihanna, leads the Smurfs into the real world to rescue Papa Smurf, voiced by John Goodman. The Smurfs have landed in South Africa and are about to smurf the nation. In the build-up to the release of the much-anticipated SMURFS movie, hitting cinemas nationwide on Friday, 11 July 2025, fans across the country will have the chance to meet two of the film's stars in Mzansi. Smurfette and a brand-new character named 'No Name' will travel far and wide to spread the blue love on one of South Africa's most extensive costume character tours. The blue duo will make appearances and do meet and greets in shopping centres, entertainment destinations and casinos across four provinces. Fans can expect high-energy dance moments featuring tracks from the official SMURFS soundtrack, which includes global music heavyweights such as Rihanna, DJ Khaled, Cardi B, James Corden, Shenseea and South Africa's own Grammy-winning star Tyla. Smurfette and No Name will hand out limited edition Smurfs sticker sets at each stop while stocks last, spreading positive vibes in true Smurf style. Blue-tiful beginnings in the Cape The 'Smurfing the Nation' tour kicks off in the Western Cape, starting at Somerset Mall on Thursday, 26 June, Blue Route on Friday, 27 June and a triple appearance on Saturday, 28 June, at Tygervalley Mall, Canal Walk and for the Global Smurf Day celebrations. Capetonian fans can also catch them at the V&A Waterfront, including at Spur, on Sunday, 29 June and at GrandWest Casino on Monday, 30 June. From there, they travel east. On Tuesday, 1 July, Garden Route Mall will host the duo, followed by Baywest Mall and Boardwalk Casino in Gqeberha on Wednesday, 2 July. On Thursday, 3 July, the Smurfs will visit Hemingways Mall before heading to Wild Coast Sun Casino on Friday, 4 July. From the coast to the city of gold KwaZulu-Natal fans can look forward to seeing the Smurfs on Saturday, 5 July, at Pavilion Mall and Sibaya Casino, then at Cornubia and Ballito on Sunday, 6 July. Galleria and Suncoast will round off the KZN tour on Monday, 7 July. Next up is Gauteng, where the Smurfs will turn the city of gold blue. Gold Reef City will welcome the pair on Wednesday, 9 July, followed by Cresta Mall and Clearwater Mall on Friday, 11 July, and The Grove Mall, featuring a Smurfs mushroom village on Saturday, 12 July. From there, it's off to Sun City for a two-day appearance on Sunday 13 and Monday 14 July. The next stretch includes Eastgate and Sandton on Tuesday, 15 July, The Glen and Emperors on Wednesday, 16 July, Irene Village Mall and Carnival City Casino on Thursday, 17 July, and Hyde Park and Menlyn Park on Friday, 18 July. They will then be at Montecasino on Saturday, 19 July, before the Smurfing journey concludes at Mall of Africa on Sunday, 20 July, and a final appearance at Mall of the North on Saturday, 26 July. Attending these appearances is free; each visit promises a mix of music, dancing to the soundtrack, a splash of blue with meet-and-greets, and sticker sheet giveaways while stocks last. Fans are encouraged to check the individual venues' social media platforms for the specific appearance times. New faces, iconic voices In SMURFS, audiences will get to enjoy Smurfette, voiced by Rihanna, as she leads the Smurfs into the real world to rescue Papa Smurf, played by John Goodman, who has been captured by the evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel. With a star-studded voice cast including James Corden, Sandra Oh, Jimmy Kimmel, Amy Sedaris and Daniel Levy, the film promises to deliver action, humour and heart.
