Latest news with #TRUELOVE
News24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
The rise of amapiano star Zee Nxumalo - ‘I allow myself to be myself'
Amapiano vocalist Zee Nxumalo has earned four Basadi in Music Award nominations. Lessons Zee has taken from fame and industry peers include authenticity, consistency and time management. Her creative process in the studio includes freestyling to the beat. _________________________________________________________________ At just 22 years old, Zandile Nxumalo's stamp on the amapiano community is as bold as her presence. Professionally known as Zee Nxumalo, the Swazi-South African vocalist is topping the charts with infectious rhythms and sultry melodies on tracks like Ngisakuthanda, all while racking up millions of streams. The songstress continues to make strides in her meteoric rise in the entertainment industry, from claiming the most nominations at the upcoming Basadi in Music Awards with four under her belt to buying a luxury car and bagging her first international feature with Romanian artists Raluka and millforlife on her latest single called In & Out. Zee is a busy woman, with TRUELOVE catching up with the star while she's on the road all while letting her Basadi in Music Award nominations still 'sink in'. 'We're definitely working here. There's no longer time to spare for things that don't make sense, we literally have to become super intentional about what we do with our time,' Zee tells TRUELOVE. Learning from fame More than just a rising star, Zee has quickly become a staple voice among the hypnotic beats and synths of amapiano, and she's had to learn how to navigate meeting new fans and industry colleagues. On the lessons she's learning, she explains, 'Remaining true to myself and staying true to who I truly am was the highlights but, obviously, because I'm still fairly new to the game, ngisafunda (I'm still learning). I don't want to lie, I'm learning a lot of things. Things like respecting time, time management, planning. 'Those are things that two years back, they were not really of much importance to me but because I'm getting myself exposed to so many things, ngiyafunda.' Life is a teacher to many at any age, with Zee looking up to young stars like singer Naledi Aphiwe and industry giants like DJ Maphorisa for authenticity and consistency. READ MORE | Rising star | Kealeboga Masango on Genesis role, working with seasoned actors and more However, there's always a price to nationwide recognition. Many had a lot to say over a video of Zee's supposedly cold interaction with veteran actress and singer Thembi Seete on a red carpet. Zee clarifies, 'Haibo, she is the one that even called me to the red carpet ukuthi, 'You look good, ngena'. Mina I was there like, 'Oh hi sis' Thembi and yourself, aw ngena', yabo? But I saw the video myself, doesn't look great. Is it just me or is Zee Nxumalo mizing our legend Thembi Seete🔍 — UNCLE CHARLES (@mixedracedUncle) June 21, 2025 'And, unfortunately, it's an opinion-based industry ... It's probably going to happen even after three years, even after four, it's an opinion-based industry. Senz'u-music, people must have opinions about the music we make, they must have opinions about the way we dress. So, it's nothing really - it's not life-threatening.' Letting the music guide her Despite the ups and downs of fame, music is at the crux of Zee's livelihood. Having collaborated with heavy hitters like Pabi Cooper, Tyler ICU, Dlala Thukzin and more, she dives into her creative process behind her number one tracks. 'The beat definitely influences the way in which I interact with the song. Because kunama-chords, sometimes the person can play set chords, then now uyangena ngama-set chords. But mina as uZee Nxumalo, I freestyle a lot. I allow myself to be myself.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Nxumalo (@zeenxumalo_)
News24
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Nomcebo Zikode quietly welcomes a baby and teases new music
Vocalist Nomcebo Zikode is now a mom of three. She prioritises her selfcare by praying, going to the gym and cooking with her family. Nomcebo chose to keep her pregnancy from the public eye to protect her peace. _____________________________________________________________________ Nomcebo Zikode's family just got bigger! The Grammy Award-winning Jerusalema vocalist has just given birth to a healthy baby boy and is putting her efforts into focusing on her newborn and spending time with her two older children and husband. 'I am so happy. It's as if this is my first child whatsoever, my first baby,' Nomcebo gushes to TRUELOVE. Many are familiar with Nomcebo folk hits and soulful vocals that have since resonated with South Africa and the world at large, earning her a Grammy Award in 2023 for her vocals on Zakes Bantwini and Wouter Kellerman's Bayethe. But she is intentional about protecting her and her family's peace through the highs and lows of being in the spotlight. She takes us through how she prioritises her selfcare. 'I am a praying woman, I pray a lot. Not really a lot, but I do take God very seriously. I know that in everything, I need to put God first. And also I do go to the gym because I understand that exercising will help me with so many things, like health-wise, also, with my mind.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nomcebo Zikode (@nomcebo_zikode) On how she chooses to spend time with her family, Nomcebo tells us, 'I always try by all means to have time with my family, even though sometimes I'm just forced to be outside the country for the longest time, but whenever I'm at home, I'll try by all means to maybe cook for them. 'Even though we do go out but I think it's more beautiful when maybe I'm together with them in the kitchen, I'm cooking for them.' The iZono Zami hitmaker is focused on her growing family, especially after dealing with a trying few months in the spotlight with the highly publicised court case against Open Mic Productions for unpaid royalties for her contributions to Jerusalema. Through it all, Nomcebo is intentional about putting her family first and protecting hers and their peace. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nomcebo Zikode (@nomcebo_zikode) Nomcebo shares, 'Now that I'm in the industry, I've noticed that sometimes you put things out there because you are trying to be genuine. But sometimes people will use that against you one day. So, I don't know whether I should say I'm private about it because it's not like I have a problem for people to know I've got a little one now. 'But also the way I see social media ... sometimes you put something out there thinking that you are doing the right thing and there's nothing to hide, you are pregnant or whatsoever. But sometimes silly people will just use that against you. So, I don't know whether I should say I'm keeping it private or what, but I just chose that, let me just keep it for myself, this is for me.' The 39-year-old singer still has plans to release new music, 'Even though there's some few things that I need to sort out,' Nomcebo reveals. While Nomcebo is keeping her cards close to her chest when it comes to future collaborations, she promises soulful tunes 'from the heart'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nomcebo Zikode (@nomcebo_zikode)
News24
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
How to effortlessly jazz up your style with sneakers
A good sneaker can give you all the comfort and style you need with the least effort. Whether you're all about the label or just in need of a comfortable shoe to go about your day, there's a sneaker type for everyone. Do you enjoy the look of high-top sneakers or prefer to show a little ankle? Tiisetso Molobi, founder of the fashion label Urban Mosadi and Vans ambassador, gives TRUELOVE all the ins and outs of sneaker buying, from shapes to maintenance. High tops or low cuts? Different sneaker cuts work for various needs or outfit choices. An example Tiisetso gives us includes how ankle grazing low cut sneakers work well with straight-cut jeans or trousers. @truelovemagazine Have you ever seen Nandi Madida wearing sneakers? She tells us how she likes to style hers. Nandi hosted the #Bathu Ndofaya shoe collection launch celebrating South Africa's music legends! #NandiMadida #BathuWalkYourJourney ♬ original sound - TRUELOVE She says, 'Highs are great during the winter months but can be seen as seasonal. They pair well with wide-leg pants or jeans. The 'dad' shoe, although it's a low [cut], works with most looks, full-length skirts, trackpants as well as jeans. 'Lows or slim cut sneakers look great with straight cut jeans or pants, particularly the barrel-shaped silhouette slacks. The ankle grazing pants are best when wanting to showcase your choice in socks and sneaker.' Tiisetso's top sneaker picks 1. 'For me, there are three types of shoes I enjoy wearing day to day. First being The Dad Shoe, which is characterised as chunky, comfortable & retro. (New Balance 2002R or 1973's or Asics GT-2160 and Salomon) 2. 'Lows or Slim Sneakers are typically minimalist in design, narrow and utilitarian. (Replica GAT by Maison Margiela, Adidas Samba or Japans, Puma Speedcats or Vans Authentic). 3.'Collectable collab sneakers, this can be contentious or coveted. It truly depends on your personal taste and genuine appreciation for shoes. (Opening Ceremony x Vans Authentics, Cecilie Bahnsen x Asics).' If you're not much of a sneakerhead and prefer to splurge on takkies for workouts, Tiisetso offers some advice on choosing the right shoe for you. 'Advice I would give to a non-sneakerhead who only wears sneakers to work out, would be try a minimalist yet comfortable canvas sneaker that works for your foot shape. For a slimmer feet, sneakers like Speedcats, Japans or Sambas can work. 'For wider feet, sneakers that have a broader toe-box design such as the Vans Authentics will work best. But the Dad Shoe is a safest most stylish option across the board. They come in a plethora of styles and sizes offered by many sneaker brands.' Tiisetso Molobi in her top sneaker picks. Photo: Supplied Maintenance tips Maintaining your shoes all depends on how often you wear them and the style you're going for. Tiisetso explains that some sneakers need to 'patina', which is a natural or artificial wear and tear of a shoe and its exposure to the environment that softens the material, darkens the colour or adds a unique texture to give the shoe a little bit of character. 'The best way to maintain your sneakers will always depend on the frequency of that shoe in your sneaker rotation. Some sneakers need to patina to give them character. So no need to keep them clean, for instance, white and grey Replicas should be left as is.' Tiisetso continues, 'But the general rule is canvas sneakers should be sprayed with fabric protector while new. This should prevent staining. Leather polish works for that skin, and predominantly nubuck or suede fabrics just require a clean hard or medium eraser, when scuffed. The eraser can also work on the rubber of your sneakers.'
Scottish Sun
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
World Pool ambassador Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day two of Royal Ascot
MOORE MOORE MOORE World Pool ambassador Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day two of Royal Ascot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE sun is out and Love is in the air on Day Two. My afternoon kicks off with TRUE LOVE (2.30) in the five-furlong Queen Mary. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day two at Ascot Credit: Shutterstock Editorial She has finished second on both starts so far but she is by No Nay Never and is a big, strong filly who will be suited by a strong pace over this trip. SHACKLETON (3.05) needed the run over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh last time and it was a messy race. He will take a step forward for that. You must stay the trip round here and my horse will. Some people out there still doubt LOS ANGELES (4.20) but that doesn't bother me. He's rock solid and I wouldn't swap him for anything. The stiff mile and a quarter at Ascot will suit him well. Anmaat won the Champions Stakes in October and ran well when we fended him off at the Curragh last month. He's an obvious threat. See The Fire has been supplemented at a fair cost and was impressive at York. She is a lovely filly but maybe she is better suited to the Knavesmire rather than here. Map Of Stars was a little unlucky when second in the Prix Ganay and Ombudsman is a talented horse who I've ridden a couple of times. He might not want the ground as quick as it will be today. I'm on THE LIFFEY (5.00) in the Royal Hunt Cup, who has been very well backed. He finished fourth on his first start for Joseph O'Brien in a Listed race at Navan. That form has been franked, as the winner has gone on to win a decent race in France. There's plenty to like about The Liffey, but it's very competitive and lots of yards will think they have a well-handicapped horse. I close with FIRST APPROACH (6.10) as Kansas is a non-runner. He was too keen last time and didn't stay the six furlongs so dropping back in trip is the right move. It looks wide open. Ryan Moore is a World Pool ambassador
The Irish Sun
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
World Pool ambassador Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day two of Royal Ascot
THE sun is out and Love is in the air on Day Two. My afternoon kicks off with TRUE LOVE (2.30) in the five-furlong Queen Mary. 1 Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day two at Ascot Credit: Shutterstock Editorial She has finished second on both starts so far but she is by No Nay Never and is a big, strong filly who will be suited by a strong pace over this trip. SHACKLETON (3.05) needed the run over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh last time and it was a messy race. He will take a step forward for that. You must stay the trip round here and my horse will. Some people out there still doubt LOS ANGELES (4.20) but that doesn't bother me. He's rock solid and I wouldn't swap him for anything. The stiff mile and a quarter at Ascot will suit him well. Anmaat won the Champions Stakes in October and ran well when we fended him off at the Curragh last month. He's an obvious threat. See The Fire has been supplemented at a fair cost and was impressive at York. She is a lovely filly but maybe she is better suited to the Knavesmire rather than here. Map Of Stars was a little unlucky when second in the Prix Ganay and Ombudsman is a talented horse who I've ridden a couple of times. He might not want the ground as quick as it will be today. I'm on THE LIFFEY (5.00) in the Royal Hunt Cup, who has been very well backed. He finished fourth on his first start for Joseph O'Brien in a Listed race at Navan. That form has been franked, as the winner has gone on to win a decent race in France. There's plenty to like about The Liffey, but it's very competitive and lots of yards will think they have a well-handicapped horse. Most read in Horse Racing I close with FIRST APPROACH (6.10) as Kansas is a non-runner. He was too keen last time and didn't stay the six furlongs so dropping back in trip is the right move. It looks wide open. Ryan Moore is a World Pool ambassador
