Latest news with #ShakaiLembe
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
From Bezos' wedding woes to breakup bombshells: your celebrity scoop of the week
Rapper Cardi B recently announced her highly anticipated sophomore album after seven long years. Image: Instagram This week the world of celebrities brought everything from surprise music announcements to lavish weddings and divorces. Here's your weekly dose of the latest international and national entertainment buzz: 1. Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu confirm divorce After a publication revealed that the television couple had reached an "irreparable disintegration" of their relationship, Hungani and Stephanie have broken their silence on the matter. They took to social media to confirm that they are going their separate ways, and they added that while they had initially planned on sharing the news with the public in their preferred timeline, they were forced to address the news now. South African celebrity couple, Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu have confirmed their split. Image: Instagram 2. Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani shares joyful pregnancy news Actress Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani revealed this week that she is expecting her first child. She took to Instagram to share pictures of her wearing a cropped black and white jersey, which revealed her baby bump. Her pregnancy announcement comes after fans speculated that she has a bun in the oven at the premiere of 'Shaka iLembe' season two. Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani shared that she is pregnant. Image: Instagram 3. Anele Mdoda reveals newlywed bliss The radio host opened up about her new chapter as a bride in a conversation with Trevor Noah in the latest episode of his "What Now with Trevor Noah" podcast. Mdoda tied the knot early this year with Bonelela James in the Eastern Cape. She revealed that she's "spoiled, pampered and she feels protected." Mdoda added that: ' I've literally found an equal, like he is my dude, he's my guy… he's the one person in the world that I don't have to convince to be on my side. He is automatically on my side." Anele Mdoda shared on a podcast that her new chapter of being a bride has been filled with nothing but joy. Image: Instagram. 4. Relebohile Mabotja and Makhadzi receive nods at the 2025 Basadi in Music Awards As the highly anticipated awards approach, Relebogile Mabotja is at the forefront of the nominations pack. She has been nominated in the categories of Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year, Entertainment TV Producer of the Year, and Podcast Presenter of the Year. Meanwhile, singer Makhadzi received two nominations for her electrifying hit "Number 1", vying for both Dance Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year. Makhadzi and Relebohile Mabotja are amongst many women in the entertainment industry who received nominations at the Basadi in Music Awards. Image: Instagram 5. Tyla announces the release date for her new single "Is It" Tyla is putting in the work! The multi-award-winning singer has officially shared the pre-save link for her highly anticipated single 'Is It' after her recent success from another single 'Bliss' and a collaboration with the 'Smurfs' and hosting the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. The upcoming track is already a hit on TikTok. The single also features Tyla's signature blend of Afro-pop and R&B. South African pop star, Tyla has announced the released date for her new single "Is It" Image: Image:Instagram/@shopsosko 6. Cardi B announces her highly anticipated album Excitement from the 'Bardi Gang' has been making waves on the internet after Cardi B finally announced the release date of her long-awaited album 'Am I the Drama'. The musician took to social media to reveal that the sophomore album will be released this year in September, nearly seven years after she released her album 'Invasion of Privacy'. US rapper, Cardi B has been making a buzz on the internet after she revealed the release date and cover of her highly anticipated album "Am I the Drama" Image: Instagram/@iamcardib 7. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Venice wedding venue moved amid protests Protesters' threats to fill Venice's canals with inflatable crocodiles have forced Jeff Bezos to relocate his wedding party in the city. This comes after residents accused the billionaire of shutting down Venice. The star-studded three-day wedding is set to be attended by Hollywood A-listers, including reality star Kim Kardashian, talk show host Gayle King and Microsoft boss Bill Gates, amongst others. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's three-day wedding threatened to come to a halt amid Venice protests. Image: Instagram 8. Amanda Bynes set to go through weight-loss transformation using Ozempic The former child star revealed that she is embarking on a weight-loss journey in the hopes of shedding 40 pounds (about 18 kilograms) through Ozempic. The medication, which is traditionally prescribed for type 2 diabetes, is now commonly used amongst many celebrities who want to lose weight, including Meghan Trainor, Lizzo and Kelly Clarkson. Former Nickelodeon star, Amanda Bynes recently shared that she is going on a weight-loss journey using Ozempic. Image: Amanda Bynes/ Instagram 9. Brandy and Monica reunite after Ticketmaster slip-up After Ticketmaster accidentally revealed tickets that suggested the two stars would tour from November 13, the legendary R&B singers, Brandy Norwood and Monica Arnold, have officially announced their upcoming shows. The singers announced their co-headlining "The Boy Is Mine" tour on social media, sharing a two-minute film which depicts them breaking free from an asylum and using their powerful vocals to escape. The US tour is set to run through December. Brandy and Monica announce the dates for the highly anticipated 'The Boy Is Mine' tour for 2025. Image: X 10. Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom breakup rumours The celebrity couple have been making a buzz on the internet lately after it was reported that the pair are no longer together. Even though they have not yet confirmed the news, multiple publications have reported that Bloom introduced himself as a 'single man' at Jeff Bezos' wedding in Venice while Katy Perry is in Australia for her "Lifetimes" Tour.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Thong Tales: How 6,000 Thongs Shaped History
From ancient roots to modern-day screens, the humble thong is taking centre stage in South Africa's most visually arresting drama. If you thought costume design was just about glitter and glam, think again. Season 2 of Shaka iLembe, Showmax's epic historical drama, has taken wardrobe authenticity to breathtaking levels, crafting over 6 000 custom-made thongs for its sprawling cast. A costume legacy forged in thongs Shaka Ilembe. Picture: Supplied From warriors to queens, each thong plays a vital role in showcasing the Zulu kingdom's past while igniting conversations about representation, style, and storytelling through fabric, or lack thereof. Costume designer Sheli Masondo and her team spent months researching pre-colonial Zulu attire, ensuring every string of leather, bead, and hide was historically respectful and cinematically compelling. The thong isn't just an item of clothing; it can be seen as an expression of culture, status, and identity. The origins of the thong Shaka Ilembe. Picture: Supplied While many associate the thong with beachwear and the early 2000s 'whale tail' era, its history runs deeper. Anthropologists trace the thong-style garment back to ancient Africa, where minimal clothing suited the hot climate and practical tribal living. Zulu men traditionally wore a form of lower garment called 'ibheshu,' made from calfskin and reserved for ceremonial occasions or as a mark of manhood. ALSO READ:Malusi Gigaba blocks screening of ex-wife's tell-all Showmax interview The thongs were worn under the costumes A woman holding a surfboard and checking the waves. Picture: iStock The modern thong as a fashion item entered pop culture in the 1970s, popularised by Brazilian beachgoers and later, the runway. By the 1990s and early 2000s, stars like Sisqó (remember the 'Thong Song'?) and designers like Alexander McQueen and Tom Ford had firmly stitched the thong into mainstream Western fashion. ALSO READ: Former Mrs South Africa wins big in California From utility to symbolism on screen In Shaka iLembe, they are worn under ibheshu, which are costume centrepieces, anchoring each character in authenticity. The second season's battle scenes alone required hundreds of warrior costumes, most of which were built around intricately detailed leather adorned with traditional beading, cowrie shells, and stitching that reflected tribal patterns. It's a bold move in an industry still often shy about non-Western historical costume. But viewers have responded with awe. 'It's refreshing to see African bodies dressed (or undressed) in ways that honour their past without fetishising it,' one fan commented online. Cultural pride woven in every thread As conversations around decolonising African storytelling and wardrobe grow louder, Shaka iLembe proves that sometimes, less is more. Behind every thong lies craftsmanship, history, and a dedication to truth. Who knew a garment so minimal could carry so much meaning?
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
From heartbreak to triumph: Amanda Seome's journey to starring in Shaka iLembe's Ndwandwe clan
Amanda Seome had an unsuccessful audition for the first season of Shaka iLembe, but she is now part of the latest cast. In her first significant scene on Shaka iLembe, Amanda Seome's character, Ntombazana, asks her mother for a bigger role in the Ndwandwe clan. However, her mother, Queen Ntombazi, portrayed by Khabonina Qubeka, tells Ntombazana to wait as she will play a bigger role within the Ndwandwes soon. This call for patience was also what was asked of Seome, as her first attempt at being part of the first season of Shaka iLembe was unsuccessful after she went through various auditions. ALSO READ: Wiseman Mncube on portraying King Zwide kaLanga in season 2 of Shaka iLembe Seome unsuccessful at first The first season of Shaka iLembe premiered in 2023, and the auditions took place two years prior. The 29-year-old first learnt of the Shaka iLembe auditions from former Durban University of Technology (DUT) schoolmate, actor Thembinkosi Mthembu, who is one of the leading characters on the show. Seome had a successful first-round audition, managed to get through the callbacks, and even went through a chemistry test. 'Ever seen when you go through a chemistry test, and you start feeling that this role is mine… I thought, 'This is it',' Seome tells The Citizen. However, soon after her auditions, show director and creator Angus Gibson sent her a text that she unfortunately didn't get the role. Seome, who at the time was still based in KwaZulu-Natal, but was residing at a family friend's place in Soweto due to the auditions, says Gibson's message came in as she was walking back from gym, to her temporary abode. 'Because I don't have Angus' number, I saw a pop-up message saying 'this is Angus…'. I got excited that he's about to tell me the good news…and then you read the message; okay, I didn't get it. I had to hold my tears,' shares Seome with died-down excitement as she relives those emotions again. Even as she narrates the story, her eyes are teary, with tears not yet flowing down her cheeks but on the verge of doing so. 'I had to hold my tears, and I felt numb. That walk to the house, my head was spinning…and then I got home, I cried.' 'I cried as though someone had died.' She says the thing about the audition process is that once you reach the stage of chemistry tests, you start telling your family and friends in excitement and ask for prayers. ALSO READ: 'Most are excited about the Shaka guy, in theatre I'm a different guy' – Calvin Ratladi after winning award Mom knows best She called her mother and told her that she hadn't got the role, but, similar to her on-screen mother, Seome's birth mother encouraged her to be patient. 'You know what my mom said? … 'It wasn't meant for you. ' And when someone tells you that after being unsuccessful, you feel like they don't understand what you're going through.' Nearly two years later, Seome concedes that her role wasn't meant for her. 'It wasn't a performance thing; it was just not yours. It was not the time.' By the time the first season aired in 2023, she had overcome her disappointment and was able to watch the popular TV show. 'When they were marketing and promoting the first season, it was painful because you can't be telling people that 'I auditioned for that show'.' 'But then the show premiered. I was watching it, I wanted to watch it. I was literally on my feet watching it, I only sat down during the ad breaks,' she says. She speaks in awe of the show's cinematography, the colour grading, and the performance of the actors. 'I grew up in theatre and Shaka iLembe is very theatrical…I just said to myself that 'I need to be here',' she says. ALSO READ: Homage to Queen Nandi: Nomzamo Mbatha reveals secrets behind her regal Shaka iLembe gown Making it on second season She didn't dwell on her disappointment but picked herself up, understanding it was a matter of timing, and that making it this far proved she had something to offer. Some years after that, Seome saw an open call for auditions in KZN and decided to try again. She prepared herself by going to the gym more to ensure she was in good shape to take on any role that would be offered. 'I auditioned for the second season, but because I'm human, in the back of my mind, I still had the thought that I was unsuccessful the last time,' she says. Now residing in Randburg, Gauteng, Seome says she received a call informing her that she had been offered the job. Again, the news came to her after a gym session. The producers of the show played a prank on her by calling and hanging up the phone before sharing the good news with her. 'They put me in a group call and said 'Amanda congratulations you got the role'…I didn't even care which role it was, as soon as I was told, I prayed first and called my mom, and we cried.' 'Hearing your parent say 'Thank you Lord…', there is no feeling above that one because this has become a family journey.' NOW READ: Thembinkosi Mthembu: From DUT student to one of SA's leading men on screen
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani's sweet surprise: baby bump steals the show
Congratulatory messages filled the air after Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani revealed that she is expecting. Image: Instagram/Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani announced that she's expecting her first child. The 'Shaka iLembe' actress has confirmed the news on her social media platforms on June 24 after fans speculated that she has a bun in the oven as she stunned the gold carpet at the premiere of the second season. However, she did not deny nor confirm anything despite fans flooding her comment section with congratulatory messages. Taking to social media, Mabuya-Bukani shared carousel photoshoot pictures wearing a cropped black and white jersey that exposes her growing baby bump. The 32-year-old excitedly captioned her post: 'Bump's out the bag … thank you for your kindness. We couldn't be happier.' Friends and family of the actress flooded the comment section with congratulatory messages. Fellow 'Shaka iLembe' actress Hope Mbhele commented: 'The way I wanted to jump when I saw you at the premiere, but I was like let me wait till she announces. So happy for you, my love!!! Congratulations, mama!!!!' 'Oh my baby!! Congratulations, my angel, my baby is gonna have a baby,' actress Kwanele Mthethwa said. While Asavela Mqokiyana added, 'Congratulations, baby, my bestie is having a mini bestie.' Keke Mphuthi wrote: 'Welcome to the club, baby mama.' Mabuya-Bukani is affectionately known for her immaculate acting skills and has appeared on multiple SA favourites telenovelas and dramas such as 'Scandal!', 'How To Ruin Love: The Proposal' as well as 'The Lucky Specials.' Besides showcasing her talent, the actress has also been giving fans a sneak peek into her relationship with her husband, Aphiwe Bukani, on social media through heartfelt and dedicated posts. Mabuya-Bukani once revealed on social media that her husband waited for a decade for their first date after asking her out in 2008. In May 2022, the couple celebrated their traditional wedding ceremony in the Eastern Cape, following their lobola negotiations, which took place earlier that year.
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
#BabyOnBoard — actress Sive Mabuya expecting her first child
Congratulations are in order for actress Sive Mabuya-Bukani and her hubby Aphiwe after they revealed they are expecting their first child together. Taking to her Instagram timeline on Tuesday, Sive unveiled her baby bump when announcing the news to their fans. "Bump's out the bag. Thank you for your kindness. We couldn't be happier," she captioned the post. Sive's fans spotted her baby bump at the premiere of Shaka iLembe season 2. Her co-star Hope Mbhele was among the celebrities who were excited to finally have the news shared publicly. "The way I wanted to jump when I saw you at the premiere, but I was like let me wait until she announces. So happy for you my love. Congratulations mama," she said.
