Latest news with #Sarafina!
The Citizen
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Leleti Khumalo's unexpected encounter with Ramaphosa
President Ramaphosa has congratulated actress Leleti and her team on their award. Veteran actress Leleti Khumalo recently had an unexpected encounter with President Cyril Ramaphosa as she travelled to and from the prestigious Golden Nymph Awards in Monaco. Khumalo, best known for her iconic role in Sarafina!, had been in Monaco for the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, where the short film Don't Give Up, in which she stars, won the award for Best Creation in the Fiction category. The film, produced by veteran filmmaker Anant Singh, tells the harrowing story of a homeless mother trying to survive on the streets of Johannesburg with her two sons. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Khumalo gushed about crossing paths with President Ramaphosa both before her departure and again upon her return to South Africa. 'I had the pleasure of bumping into our President upon our departure to Monaco. We were travelling to different countries, but were scheduled to be on the same flight. We had a great conversation, and he also wished me great luck for the awards and my nomination.' She added: 'To my surprise, we bumped into him again on our return to South Africa – on the same flight again – but this time I had the award with me. It was truly an honour to show him the award and how well South Africa had been represented at Monaco.' ALSO READ: South Africa's award-winning trio bags another accolade at Monte-Carlo Television Festival Ramaphosa congratulates Leleti and the team President Ramaphosa also took to social media to congratulate Khumalo and her team, saying he was delighted to have met the actress. 'Leleti did have something to declare: she'd returned from the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco, where she and acclaimed film producer Anant Singh had won the prestigious Golden Nymph Award for their work on the short film Don't Give Up, which portrays life on the streets of Johannesburg for a begging mother of two. 'I congratulate Leleti Khumalo and Anant Singh for flying our flag and for spotlighting one of our nation's socioeconomic challenges.' On my travels to and from the G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada, I had the good and proud fortune of bumping into our veteran star performer Leleti Khumalo at OR Tambo International Airport. Leleti did have something to declare: she'd returned from the Monte Carlo Television Festival… — Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 19, 2025 NOW READ: Bolt pokes holes in TikToker Simthande Myeza's abduction claims
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
South Africa's award-winning trio bags another accolade at Monte-Carlo Television Festival
Actress Leleti Khumalo, producer Anant Singh, and director-writer Darrell Roodt jointly won another award this week. If it's not broke, don't fix it, they say. And the film trio of actress Leleti Khumalo, producer Anant Singh, and film director and writer Darrell Roodt need not fix anything, as the three scooped another award last night at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. 'I'd like to thank the Videovision team and the director, Darrell Roodt, who came up with this amazing project. And I thank Anant for always believing in me and for always having faith in me,' Khumalo said in her speech. South Africa's trio won the Golden Nymph Award in the 'Special Creation' category for the film Don't Give Up. Seen as the European equivalent of the television Oscars, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival honours exceptional storytelling from around the globe, including productions made for digital platforms. This year was the 64th edition of the festival. 'This is a film about homeless people who have no voice and has no dialogue. It is essentially a homage to the silent movie, and it represents homeless people all around the world,' said film producer Anant Singh in his acceptance speech. ALSO READ: Sarafina! becomes first SA film to return to Cannes Film Festival after 30 years The trio's winning streak Roodt, Singh, and Khumalo have previously collaborated on other award-winning projects. Roodt was the director of the Oscar-nominated movie Yesterday, in which Khumalo plays the role of a mother living with HIV/Aids. Singh wears the producers' hat in that movie, too. The trio also worked together in the creation of the iconic film, Sarafina! The classic 1992 musical drama returned to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France in 2023, under the Cannes Classics section. This is a first for a South African film. Also in 2023, Sarafina! was honoured with a Special Screening at the 20th edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival at the prestigious 700-seater Cinéma le Colisee with lead star Khumalo in attendance. The now 55-year-old Khumalo was the lead on Sarafina! as an 18-year-old. Roodt, who wasn't present at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, has also worked with Singh on another award-winning film, Cry, the Beloved Country. ALSO READ: Sarafina! wraps up a successful 2023 with honours at Marrakech Film Festival The film Titled Don't Give Up, the film follows the life of Faith (portrayed by Khumalo), a beggar and single mother of two sons, Lucky and Siyabonga. While washing her sons at a tap in a bus depot, Faith is assaulted by a security guard, portrayed by the late actor Sello Motloung. In her bid to escape this battering, Faith and her sons try to run away, but Siyabonga gets caught in the wire fence and almost has his thumb ripped off. Faith is unable to help him beyond wrapping it up in a torn piece of her skirt. She begs for money from uninterested commuters on her corner. The film focuses on the life of a vagrant amidst the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg. 'We are delighted to have this little South African film about homeless people win this special prize,' said Singh. The music of Philip Glass and Peter Gabriel gives a voice to the voiceless, homeless people. 'The music of Philip Glass and Peter Gabriel gives it that special magic,' said Singh. The film has not yet been released in South Africa, with screenings planned for later this year. NOW READ: WATCH: 'Youngins' stars confirm final season in Soweto
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Somizi and Kelly Khumalo set the stage on fire with sizzling dance moves
Somizi Mhlongo, choreographer, actor, TV royalty, and flamboyant fashionista, reminded South Africa this weekend why he's still the king of the dance floor. In a dazzling throwback moment, Somizi broke into spontaneous moves on stage alongside Kwaito legend Thebe, cheekily declaring, 'Thebe has a new dancer!' The Netizens couldn't get enough. Add in a surprise cameo from Kelly Khumalo, and you've got a nostalgic dance party with two icons who've ruled both the stage and headlines. This wasn't just fun, it was a reminder of pure, unstoppable talent. Back to the beat: Somizi dances into the spotlight Move over TikTok dancers, Somizi Mhlongo, the original OG, will show you how it's done. The multi-talented entertainer stunned fans this past weekend when he joined Thebe on stage and delivered a spontaneous, show-stealing dance performance. With that unmistakable flair and energy, he joked, 'Thebe has a new dancer,' while proving he still has the same precision and pizzazz that made him a household name. This wasn't just a cute moment; it was a powerful reminder. Long before the gossip, gigs, and glam, Somizi's dance moves were his first claim to fame. World-stage wonder: From Sarafina! to stadiums Let's not forget: Somizi didn't just dance, he choreographed history. From his early days as part of the iconic Sarafina! cast (yes, the same one that played on TV this Youth Day), to creating the electrifying opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South African music awards, Miss South Africa pageants, and Metro FM awards Somizi has long danced circles around the ordinary. As well as being one of the All Gold's Dance Challenge School Tour ambassadors, he performs a dance alongside Bontle Modiselle and Robot Boii, visiting schools to educate and inspire children on making dance a professional career. The 2010 FIFA World Cup, hosted in South Africa, was a huge moment for the multi-talented choreographer. Not forgetting his choreography on the 2002 World Summit, which is often not mentioned. His choreography has touched the world stage, but this weekend was a grounding reminder that the dancer in him has never left the building. Kelly Khumalo joins the party When fans thought the video couldn't get better, enter Kelly Khumalo. The powerhouse vocalist and Somizi's longtime friend jumped in on the fun, dancing beside him with equal flair. Their chemistry was pure fire. It was less about the choreography and more about the vibe, two stars just vibing, laughing, and proving legends never lose their groove. Netizens went wild. One fan tweeted, 'Kelly and Somizi together? It's giving star power and rhythm!' Somizi: The man, moves, Metro FM mic These days, many know Somizi more for his hilarious love advice and fiery but sound critiques on Metro FM's 'Ask A Man' segment. He's also the mind behind Sompire Kids, a fashion line for the youngest style stars. But now and then, it's good to be reminded that beneath the glam and gossip is a dancing legend who helped shape South African pop culture. And from what we saw this weekend, he's still got it.
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Experience the magic of ‘Matilda', ‘Master Harold' and ‘Sarafina' on stage in Joburg this June
Zia Kani, Amira Nathan and Peo-entle Pitso will alternate the leading role of Matilda. Matilda The Musical Jr Roald Dahl's classic book is set to come to extraordinary life on stage for the very first time in Joburg this week. The play tells the story of Matilda, a gifted little girl with telekinetic powers. The youngster lives a tumultuous life with her parents and the show chronicles her bid to free herself, using her brilliant mind. Directed by Jill Girard, the leading role will be alternated between 10-year-olds, Amira Nathan, Zia Kani and Peo-entle Pitso. Meanwhile, Miss Honey will be played by Amelia Stephens, Luciano Zuppa will take on the role of Miss Agatha Trunchbull, with Jordan Rogers and Raymond Skinner starring as Matilda's parents. Where: The Peoples Theatre at the Joburg Theatre. When: Currently until July 27. Show times differ, depending on the day. Master Harold and the Boys This play by the renowned late Athol Fugard is directed by Warona Seane and stars Sello Maake KaNcube, Daniel Anderson and Lebohang Motaung. It is set in South Africa during apartheid in 1950 and the play depicts how institutionalised racism, bigotry or hatred can become absorbed by those who live under it. Where:Theatre On The Square When: Currently until June 29. Show times differ, depending on the day. Sarafina! This special restaging of the critically acclaimed musical is a tribute to Dr Mbongeni Ngema. Directed by Mpho Molepo, the story unfolds in the wake of the historic events of 1976, when approximately 200,000 black students united in protest against the apartheid regime's oppressive education system. Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre. When: Runs until Sunday, June 15, 11am.
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
A ‘cultural warrior' remembered: Joburg Theatre launches the Mbongeni Ngema Festival
The festival opened on 1 June with the unveiling of Ngema's star on the Diamond Walk of Fame. A person's influence and contributions to society become more evident after they've died; this is evinced in how others elongate their legacy after their demise. Renowned South African playwright Dr Mbongeni Ngema is one of those, as the Joburg Theatre is honouring him through the inaugural Mbongeni Ngema Festival. 'Dr Mbongeni Ngema was not just a playwright or composer; he was a cultural warrior whose work gave voice to the voiceless and told our stories with fearless honesty and immense beauty,' said Artistic Director at Joburg City Theatres James Ngcobo. 68-year-old Ngema passed away in a head-on collision in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, on the evening of 27 December 2023. 'As the City of Joburg, it is both our duty and our privilege to honour his legacy.' The Mbongeni Ngema Festival kicked off on the first of this month, and the opening day was marked by the unveiling of Ngema's star on the theatre's diamond walk of fame. Sunday was also the opening of the theatre production, Sarafina! ALSO READ: SABC accused of stealing Mbongeni Ngema's TV show idea and could face legal action Sarafina! and the G20 Summit The Joburg Theatre is staging Ngema's Sarafina! running until 15 June. The play is directed by Mpho Molelpo, choreographed by Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema. Ngcobo says the staging of the politically inspired play is a bold cultural statement, considering the city plans to host the G20 Summit later this year. 'As Joburg prepares to host the world during the G20 Summit, staging Sarafina at Joburg Theatre right in the heart of the City of Gold serves as a bold cultural statement,' he said. 'It reflects the city's commitment to showcasing its rich artistic heritage on the global stage. In honouring Dr. Mbongeni Ngema's legacy during this pivotal moment, Joburg affirms its role as an economic powerhouse and a beacon of African storytelling, resilience, and creative excellence.' ALSO READ: Why Sarafina's soundtrack could be just better than the actual film The Zulu Another of Ngema's plays, The Zulu, will be performed on the Joburg Theatre stage during the playwright's festival. The two-hander is led by actors Abdul Khoza and Nhlakanipho Manqele. The Zulu delves deep into the history of the Zulu nation. 'In programming this production at Joburg Theatre, we aimed to honour Mbongeni Ngema's contributions, as they encapsulate the diverse traditions that have influenced the community, fostering a deep connection to their significant legacy,' shared Ngcobo. The Zulu opens this Friday night and will run until the festival's completion on 22 June. NOW READ: Sarafina! becomes first SA film to return to Cannes Film Festival after 30 years
