Latest news with #SomiziMhlongo
TimesLIVE
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
African jewels sets to sparkle at Dundee July on Saturday
Musicians and DJs are gearing up for the annual Dundee July event in KwaZulu-Natal. It's all systems go for the star-studded horse racing, fashion and lifestyle event, which will take place at Endumeni Racecourse in Dundee on Saturday. Featuring acts such as former Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo, the line-up includes Mthandeni, MaWhoo, Afrotainment boss DJ Tira, Kabza De Small, AfroPop singer Kelly Khumalo, Musa Keys and new kids on the block Mawelele and Naledi Aphiwe. The theme for this year's show is 'African Jewel', similar to the Durban July, which carried the theme 'Marvels of Africa' at Durban's Greyville Racecourse on July 5. On Facebook the official Dundee July page states the event will be extra special as it marks 20 years since the first show. 'On Saturday Endumeni Racecourse in Dundee is the place to be. This year we are celebrating 20 years of Dundee July. We are celebrating growth, we are celebrating success. Dundee July is a real-life testimony of 'started from the bottom and now we're here'.'
News24
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Marvels and misses: The best and worst of Durban July fashion
The Hollywoodbets Durban July showcased stunning fashion, with many celebrities and influencers attending and showcasing their interpretations of the theme Marvels of Mzansi. Some attendees, such as Zola Mhlongo and Omuhle Gela, missed the mark with their outfits, while others, like Sithelo Shozi and Mihlali Ndamase dazzled with their bold and creative choices. Somizi Mhlongo gave six different interpretations of the theme celebrating himself and Soweto in the mix. While we couldn't quite tell what the likes of DJ Zinhle, Zola Mhlongo, and Omuhle Gela were marvelling at, most Mzansi stars brought their A-game to this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July, held at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday. Although the annual event is also about horse racing and betting, the fashion is what most people look forward to. This year's theme, Marvels of Mzansi, left plenty of room for interpretation—and naturally, some nailed it while others lost the map on the way and missed the mark. As much as fashion is subjective, Metro FM's Zola Mhlongo consistently misses the theme. The presenter wore a stunning burgundy strapless gown with a long, flowing train, decorated with cowrie beads and a matching headwrap, finished off with very much Nigerian accessories. As much as she looked gorgeous, she looked like a guest at a Nigerian wedding rather than someone honouring the Marvels of Mzansi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zola Ayabulela Mhlongo (@zolazeelovin) Mhlongo's colleague, Khutso Theledi, took it up a notch by thinking outside the box. Dressed by designer, Ratanang Moroasui, she paid tribute to football clubs Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in one dress. View this post on Instagram A post shared by By Rati | Ratanang Moroasui (@designsbyrati) I remember how disappointed my colleague, Mbali Mbatha, was after interviewing Quin Ngomane, who designed Lamiez Holworthy's dress. The designer had kept everything a secret, saying the look was personal and a surprise. At least it was worth the wait. The media personality dazzled as she paid tribute to women like Winnie Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, Brenda Fassie, and Imelda Stoker—icons who all played a significant role in our freedom and democracy. The white silk mermaid-style dress was adorned with diamonds and images that flowed from her waist to the asymmetrical neckline. The DJ said each diamond was a tear that turned to power, adding that these were not just women, but 'thunder in human form.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lamiez Holworthy-Morule (@lamiez_holworthy) I am going to need the Real Housewives of Durban twins to stop exploring anything to do with fashion. While writing this, I scrolled through Ayanda Mthembu and Andile Pieterson's Instagram pages to see what it was they were marvelling at and found nothing. It's time for the two optometrists to see that fashion is not one of their strengths. They should consult real designers and stylists, because those sticks or reeds, or whatever that was, told me nothing about Mzansi. Beautiful hair, though. Another reality TV star, Happy 'Her Majesty' Simelane pulled through celebrating the Namaqua flower, in a luxe custom by Dressed By Vochand Goch. Then there's Somizi Mhlongo, who somehow manages to be the centre of attention every year. He designed all six of his outfits this time, celebrating himself, the Soweto Towers, his late mother, Kimberley diamonds, Sarafina, and Table Mountain. Could it have been better? Absolutely. But we appreciate the effort and the vision. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Somizi (@somizi) Lebo Molax, my love? Yoh! Why? Honestly, I have no words for Omuhle Gela. Hers was a 'huh?' moment. Seeing Eva Modika's dress was refreshing. My girl usually misses, but we appreciate the growth. Well done, Modika. I visited the Masango by Siphosihle fashion house on Monday [ahead of the event of Saturday] and it was a visual feast. The garments designed for Mihlali Ndamase, Phupho Gumede, Cyan Boujee, Doro Mongy, and Gogo Skhotheni were breath-taking. It was clear that Siphosihle Masango fully embraced the theme. He even dressed musician Masterpiece YVK. What impressed me most was how he sourced locations that matched the symbolism of each outfit. For Ndamase's IGOLIDE look, he went all out and found a mine shaft—paying homage to the hardworking men in South Africa's mining industry. Her dress featured a bold Ndebele print, which is Masango's signature. His use of this pattern celebrates his grandmother and honours the iconic Esther Mahlangu. Media personality Zanele Potelwa, who co-hosted the S3 live broadcast with Kat Sinivasan, rocked two standout looks. Styled by Mr Suave and dressed by Ortiz Seflo, her protea flower ensemble was inspired by South Africa's biodiversity, while her other outfit celebrated the country's powerful mineral wealth. Other personalities like Jessica Nkosi and Boity Thulo also celebrated the protea flower. Supplied Influencer Sphokuhle Ntshalintshali went completely against the grain, and honestly, she ate and left no crumbs. She gave the iconic 'khumbulekhaya bag' a couture facelift we didn't even know it needed. The bag alone is relatable and deeply embedded in our Mzansi story. Come to think of it, Ntshalintshali rarely misses, just like 'Ethekwini Mayor' Sithelo Shozi, who wore a layered dress with striking blue feathers in celebration of our national bird, the Blue Crane. A big yes to Sarah Langa, who turned heads in a golden silk Balmain set paying tribute to izikhothane—a South African youth subculture known for flamboyant fashion, flashy accessories, and showing off wealth as a form of street art. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah Langa (@sarahlanga) Overall, let's give our stars their flowers, they really pulled up their socks this year. The girlies showed up with bold make-up, statement hair, and genuine commitment to the theme. Let's wrap it up to respect the word count. Looking forward to being dazzled and disappointed—all over again next year around the same time.
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Somizi arrives in a chopper, stealing the show with 8 outfit changes at the Hollywoodbets Durban July
Somizi arrived at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July with flair and an entourage ready for runway-worthy drama. Only Somizi Mhlongo could turn a day at the races into an eight-act fashion theatre. Pictures: somizi/Instagram Only Somizi Mhlongo could turn a day at the races into an eight-act fashion theatre. The multi-talented entertainer arrived at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July with flair and an entourage ready for runway-worthy drama. As always, Somizi didn't just attend the Durban July, he became the moment. With this year's theme, Marvels of Mzansi, the choreographer and media personality took creative freedom to the next level by collaborating with Hollywood Costumes to produce not one, not two, but eight show-stopping outfits to be revealed throughout the day. Each look was layered in symbolism, satire and sparkling craftsmanship, capturing the essence of South African identity with Somizi's signature edge. ALSO READ: Gold and Glamour: Masango by Siphosihle Dazzles at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Somizi's look 1: The Headliner Somizi's arrival looked immediately to set social media ablaze. Wearing a custom gown covered in actual clippings of South African newspaper headlines, he floated across the Greyville racecourse like a walking front page. The high-collared, floor-length ensemble included dramatic puffed sleeves and a statement headpiece adorned with the words: 'No DNA, Just RSA.' There are also rumours of him arriving in a helicopter. The accompanying wig was an architectural feat in itself — stacked into the shape of the African continent and dyed in the colours of the South African flag. 'This look says I'm made in South Africa, by South Africa,' Somizi quipped during a quick interview. 'We are more than our genetics, we're our spirit, our culture, our resilience.' Costume Theatre, Mzansi style. The newspaper look was only the beginning. Throughout the day, fans and photographers gathered in anticipation of each transformation. Every hour or so, Somizi re-emerged in a fresh, jaw-dropping outfit that sparked laughter, applause and endless camera flashes. Sources close to the production reveal that the upcoming looks include a full, beaded warrior-inspired ensemble, a drag-style sparkling bodysuit with a Ndebele cape, a reimagined 1980s disco take on traditional Xhosa wear and a final 'red carpet reveal' outfit rumoured to involve a mechanical element because, of course. Each design was carefully constructed by a team of stylists and costume designers at Hollywood Costumes and their label, Sompire Fashion, with Somizi's vision at the forefront. 'I didn't want to just dress for Durban July,' he said. 'I wanted to honour the July and remind people why fashion is also performance art.' NOW READ: WATCH: Somizi and Kelly Khumalo set the stage on fire with sizzling dance moves
News24
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Actress Khabonina Qubeka empowers students through movement and dance
Supplied She is Khabonina with the cuteness and a body that's tightness. Known for her dance moves, flexible body and an impressive acting portfolio, she is no stranger to the spotlight. She joined season two of the highly-rated Shaka iLembe Mzansi Magic show, playing the complex role of matriarch, Queen Ntombazi - a mother, queen, and the voice of the Ndwandwe family. Before this massive role, actress, choreographer, and philanthropist Khabonina Qubekha (44) was focusing on fitness, health and motherhood. But the one that has been most dear to her heart is running the Khabonina Foundation. Full of energy, motivated, and high-spirited, Khabonina has been dancing since she was a teen and shared stages with the likes of Lebo Mathosa and Somizi Mhlongo. She still doesn't miss a beat, instead, she has taken her energy and put it behind helping young children at schools through her foundation. Read more | Actor Ntobeko Sishi opens up about loss and childhood - 'Rejection has been a huge part of my life' Her very first project was with Tshepong Stimulation Centre in Katlehong – a centre for children with profound intellectual disabilities. Khabonina and her team supported the caregivers and helped raise funds for a much-needed new classroom. 'It was such a humbling and powerful start,'she says. Earlier this year, she visited Eqinisweni Secondary School in Ivory Park, Midrand, with the 'Best of Me' confidence-building programme. 'We met these incredibly talented Grade 12 learners whose performances brought tears to our eyes. They had such powerful stories and used theatre to express their hopes and struggles. Moments like those remind us of exactly why we do this work. So far, we've touched the lives of over 5,000 learners in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.' She started studying Dance Movement and Teacher Training more than a decade ago, which covered everything from child psychology to African dance, anatomy, and even arts management. That knowledge led her to create EduDance, which is about using dance, music, and rhythm to teach kids academic concepts and social values. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KHABONINA (@khabonina_q) 'I'd create lesson plans and visit schools twice a week, seeing firsthand how much children blossomed through embodied learning. But over time, I noticed a big problem: many schools, especially those in our townships and rural areas, were cutting physical education and even guidance classes because of budget cuts.' That's when she wanted to become a bridge for learners who had no one to talk to. Read more | 'For the past five years I've been stolen from'- Simphiwe Dana reflects on career 'Whether it was their parents or teachers, I'd be there. By 2020, it was clear this needed to be more formal, more organised. And that's how the Khabonina Foundation was born.' She has never received formal funding; however, she keeps going despite many challenges. 'I've funded most of our work from my own pockets. But the passion, the sheer will, has kept us going.' She plans to launch an EduDance Early Childhood Development programme in Thornhill, Eastern Cape. 'This will also include teacher wellness and teen mentorship programmes. Our goal is to support not just the school but the wider community around it. Followed by the launch of our Kouga programme, where we have several big community building projects planned.'
TimesLIVE
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
'I've stayed original throughout my journey' — Sweet Guluva on becoming All Gold's latest ambassador
Since leaving the Big Brother house as winner of season 5, Sweet Guluva has been one of the most sought-after personalities. Many brands and celebrities have been associating themselves with the reality star. Now Sweet Guluva has partnered with All Gold in an initiative aimed at inspiring young people. Sweet Guluva attributes his attractiveness to brands to staying true to himself. His authenticity has paid off, he says. 'I've stayed original throughout my journey. I've been true to myself. I am a traditional man and I know the All Gold brand is about heritage, quality and authenticity — values I live by. 'People follow what they feel is genuine and real. That's what connects. All Gold has always been a part of my life, so receiving that call felt like a full-circle moment because it was something true to me. Last week, Sweet Guluva, with the other brand ambassadors including Somizi Mhlongo, visited Thembisa before moving on to Mgazi Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal. Speaking about why inspiring young people is important to him, he said he wanted them to know they hold the tiller for their future and should dream big. 'I want them to know it's possible. Whatever you desire or dream of, God will provide. Just keep going and pursuing your dreams. 'Initiatives such as All Gold are valuable because they give young people a sense of hope and possibility. By going from school to school we're showing learners their dreams are valid and achievable. It's about planting the belief that they have the power to shape their own future — and giving up should never be an option.'
