Latest news with #Umjolo
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Nay Maps to host Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards this weekend
The awards are named after Simon Mabhunu Sabela, South Africa's first black film director. Former Uzalo actor Nkosinathi Maphalala, popularly known as Nay Maps, has been announced as the host of this year's Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards. 'I was chosen to host these awards and I was excited to do so as I believe in hosting such events that celebrate, acknowledge and honour the talent we have as a country and as a province,' Maphalala told The Citizen. The 12th edition of the awards will be held this Saturday at the Durban ICC. The awards are named after legendary South African actor and filmmaker, Simon Mabhunu Sabela. ALSO READ: Gayton McKenzie: 'Sustainable, long-term employment for most artists remains implausible' Simon Mabhunu Sabela an inspiration Despite Sabela's death more than three decades ago in 1994, the actor and film director left a lasting legacy in South African television and film. Sabela is South Africa's first black film director. He directed films like Ikati Elimnyama, renowned South African comedy film Ngaka, which starred Somizi Mhlongo's father, Ndaba Mhlongo. He also directed the 1975 film u'Deliwe, which starred Nonhle Thema's mother, Cynthia Shange. Sabela also has a long and successful career as an actor, being involved in more than 34 movies, both nationally and internationally. 'I am aware of uMkhulu Simon Sabela and the work he has done to contribute to this industry,' Maphalala said. 'He is South Africa's first black director and this is quite significant as a young black actor and creative because this serves as an inspiration and reminder that we are great and capable of great things.' Echoing Maphalala, chairperson of the board at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, said the awards honour the pioneer that Sabela was. 'The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards honour the legacy of a true pioneer in South African film, reminding us of the power of storytelling to inspire, challenge, and uplift,' Ndebele said. ALSO READ: 'Umjolo' dominates Simon Mabhunu Sabela film and TV awards The awards The awards celebrate KwaZulu-Natal's (KZN) ever-evolving film and television industry. 'With my roots and origins being from Bergville KZN, this is a true testament of how talented and blessed we are as a Zulu nation and how we as a nation have contributed immensely to the history of South Africa and Africa as a continent at large,' Maphalala said. Nominees for the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards were announced in June. Among the standout nominations was the Umjolo series of films on Netflix South Africa, which received eight nominations. 'Umjolo', which is a slang word for dating, was the theme throughout the four films that Netflix released in four months. The four films are: Umjolo: The Gone Girl, Umjolo: Day Ones, Umjolo: My Beginning, My End and Umjolo: There is No Cure. Actor Nkanyiso Makhanya, who featured in Umjolo: My Beginning, My End, is nominated in the Best Actor in a film category. The Best Actor category is the one which Maphalala is looking forward to the most. Maphalala, who is also a singer, said he could serenade the audience this weekend. 'It's not even me branching out because music has always been a part of who I am. So, who knows, I might just serenade you this coming weekend, but you will just have to be there to witness it,' said the actor. NOW READ: 'I am not a boy anymore': Mpumelelo Mseleku pays lobola
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Umjolo' dominates Simon Mabhunu Sabela film and TV awards
'Umjolo' – a slang term for dating – served as the central theme across four Netflix films released over four months. Sibusisiwe Jili of Umjolo: Day Ones is nominated in the Best Actress in film category. Picture: aura_sibu/Instagram Very few things are as topical as the dating scene, and the number of nominees received by Netflix's Umjolo series at this year's Simon Mabhunu Sabela KwaZulu-Natal Film and TV Awards reflects this. The Umjolo series of films on Netflix South Africa received a total of eight nominations at the 12th annual awards. The awards are a celebration of outstanding talent and creativity in KwaZulu-Natal's (KZN) ever-evolving film and television industry. ALSO READ: 'Such storylines highlight our commonalities as opposed to our differences' – Kay Sibiya on Netflix film 'Umjolo: Day Ones' Umjolo's dominance 'Umjolo', which is a slang word for dating, was the theme throughout the four films that Netflix released in four months. The four films are: Umjolo: The Gone Girl, Umjolo: Day Ones, Umjolo: My Beginning, My End, and Umjolo: There is No Cure. Actor Nkanyiso Makhanya, who featured in Umjolo: My Beginning, My End, is nominated in the Best Actor in a film category. Actresses Shezi Sibongiseni (Umjolo: The Gone Girl) and Sibusisiwe Jili (Umjolo: Day Ones) are nominated for Best Actress in a film, alongside Baby Cele, for her work on A Wesley South African Christmas. Actors Menzi Biyela from Umjolo: Day Ones and Umjolo: The Gone Girl's Ntando Mncube are competing for the Best Supporting Actor in a film. Mbuso Khoza of Masinga The Calling is the other nominee in the category. The director of Umjolo: There is no Cure, Mthunzi Dubazana, is also nominated in the Best Director category. 'The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards honour the legacy of a true pioneer in South African film, reminding us of the power of storytelling to inspire, challenge, and uplift,' Chairperson of the Board at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority Dr Sibusiso Ndebele said. 'As the Authority, we remain committed to nurturing talent and positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a competitive and innovative film hub.' Nominations span over 30 categories, including Best Use of KZN as a Filming Location, Best Documentary, Best Feature and Short Film, Best Student Film, and more, reflecting a broad cross-section of the creative sector. ALSO READ: Inkabi film director elated with recognition of hitmen movie by KZN Film and TV Awards Awards new logo The nominees' announcement was hosted by actress Hope Mbhele, who captivated attendees with her warm energy and deep cultural pride. In a moving moment, she broke into an impromptu isiZulu praise song, lifting the room and embodying the spirit of celebration that defines these awards. The announcement event also unveiled the new 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards logo, aligning with this year's theme, Africa's Champions of Storytelling: From Piers to Pages. In the current design, Africa is represented by the 'O' in Simon, symbolising the continent as the heart of our storytelling tradition. The word 'Awards' features typography that reflects the voices of writers, filmmakers, and creatives — Africa's true champions of narrative excellence. This design evolution will carry through to the show's branding, visuals and experience. NOW READ: WATCH: SA short film 'Caleb: Beyond the Bite' wins gold at film festival
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards: spotlight on nominees Nelisiwe Sibiya, Menzi Biyela, and Kwenzo Ngcobo
Actress Hope Mbhele who hosted the nomination announcement, KZNTAFA Chair Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, and Portia Ncwane who is nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film and Best Isizulu Film. The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority has announced the nominees for the 12th annual Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards. Under the theme 'Africa's Champions of Storytelling: From Piers to Pages,' this year's nominees reflect the vibrant, diverse, and growing creative talent emerging from the province and beyond. Leading this year's nominations list is the Stained Glass movie series, 'Umjolo' is leading with seven nominations for the different movies released on Netflix. Four nominations for 'Umjolo: Gone Girl' and the actors who received nominations include Sibongiseni Shezi, Sibusisiwe Jili, Menzi Biyela and Gugu Gumede.
