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GOGO SKHOTHENI DROPS BOMBSHELL: “I paid my own lobola!”
Entertainment

GOGO SKHOTHENI DROPS BOMBSHELL: “I paid my own lobola!”

Sitha Maliwa: Gogo S'khotheni (Image: Facebook) In a stunning confession that’s shaken social media and Mzansi’s cultural foundations, reality star and former sangoma Gogo Skhotheni has revealed she gave her ex-partner, Monde Shange, the money to pay her lobola. Yes, you read that right = she paid for herself! Skhotheni didn't hold back during a recent social media confession, delivering a truth bomb that left many gasping for air: “He couldn’t afford it. I wanted to be with him. So I helped. I gave him the money to pay lobola for me.” As the news made its way across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp groups, reactions poured in faster than amapiano beats on a Friday night. While some fans praised her for standing by her man, others were left questioning Monde’s ...
SPARKLE, SCENT & 8 SCINTILLA!: JC Le Roux steals the show at Joburg’s bubbly bash of the year
Entertainment

SPARKLE, SCENT & 8 SCINTILLA!: JC Le Roux steals the show at Joburg’s bubbly bash of the year

By Zee: Sandton, darling, will never be the same.This past weekend, the City of Gold’s glitterati - boardroom royalty, fashionistas, and of course, yours truly, Zee - traded spreadsheets and sports cars for sequins, florals, and flutes of fizz as JC Le Roux transformed the Inanda Polo Club into a playground of pétillance and prestige. The occasion? Only the Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival 2025 = undoubtedly the sparkling highlight of the social calendar. And who stole the spotlight with all the pop, fizz, and flair? None other than JC Le Roux, South Africa’s OG sparkle queen. Trust me, this wasn’t just a tasting - it was a whole statement.From the moment I stepped onto the carpet (yes, there was one), I was wrapped - literally - in a se...
GOSSIP, GLITZ & GRAVY: Inside the Proudly SA media cook-off that had journos sizzling!
Entertainment

GOSSIP, GLITZ & GRAVY: Inside the Proudly SA media cook-off that had journos sizzling!

By Zee: Darling, gather 'round - because if you weren’t at the Proudly South African Winter Warmer Media Cook-Off, then were you even in Midrand last week? Held at the ultra-chic Breadbox Bakery and Studio (yes, the one that screams “Pinterest board come to life”), this black-owned culinary hotspot played host to a media showdown that had journalists trading pens for paring knives - and trust us, the heat wasn’t just in the kitchen. The morning started innocently enough. Warm bowls of velvety butternut soup and golden, deep-fried vetkoek were served like a hug in a mug. Guests smiled, posed, and Instagrammed their first bites. But behind those polite chuckles and casual greetings? The quiet tension of competition was brewing. Next thing you know - bam! Mystery b...
A GAME-CHANGER FOR GOSPEL MUSIC: South Africa’s biggest new competition premieres on e-TV
Entertainment

A GAME-CHANGER FOR GOSPEL MUSIC: South Africa’s biggest new competition premieres on e-TV

By NewsSA: Gospel Stars, Khaya Mthethwa, Rebecca Malope and Nkateko Maluleke (Image: X) The stage is set, the voices are powerful, and the stakes have never been higher! South Africa’s biggest and most electrifying gospel music competition, Gospel Superstars, is ready to take centre stage, premiering Sunday, 25 May 2025, at 18h00 on eTV. R1 million and a Gallo Music deal up for grabs! A Nationwide Search for Gospel’s Brightest Talent From Cape Town to Johannesburg and Durban, aspiring gospel artists from across the country auditioned for a chance to prove themselves. Now, only the best remain. Under the guidance of legendary judges Rebecca Malope, Khaya Mthethwa, and Nkateko Maluleke, the top contestants will compete for the ultimate prize: R1,000,000 and a...
THE GLITTER AND THE GRIT: Unpacking the paradox of child stardom
Entertainment

THE GLITTER AND THE GRIT: Unpacking the paradox of child stardom

By Cathay Yenana: Child stardom embodies a paradox—a shimmering glitter that promises fame, fortune, and adulation, contrasted sharply by the grit required for resilience, emotional stability, and authentic personal growth. From the bright lights of Hollywood to the global stage of social media influencers, children thrust into the limelight often find themselves navigating a complex landscape of opportunity and challenge. While the allure of fame is compelling, the journey is riddled with pitfalls that can irrevocably impact their development. These youngins are portrayed as a glittering world of fame, glamour, and boundless opportunity. From an early age, these young celebrities captivate audiences worldwide, embodying dreams and aspirations that inspire millions. H...
BLUE CARPET, COLD SHOULDERS: Nivea’s re-launch was an influencer feeding frenzy
Entertainment

BLUE CARPET, COLD SHOULDERS: Nivea’s re-launch was an influencer feeding frenzy

By Zee: Darling readers, buckle up because if you missed last night’s Nivea’s New Era of Body care re-launch…in the middle of Sandton City Mall, consider yourself blessed and highly favoured. I, unfortunately, was there - and let me tell you, it was giving more promotional chaos than premium skincare revival. Let’s start at the beginning. The invite said “All Blue Glam”, but what it really meant was: come dressed in your most expensive winter couture and freeze for the brand. Because yes, the entire soirée was held in the Centre Court - an open space where the cold air sliced through chiffon and Brazilian blowouts like a bad breakup. Influencers flew in like seagulls at a beach braai, and suddenly the canapé platters didn’t stand a chance. If hunger had a dress...
RHYTHMS OF RECOGNITION: Unpacking the significance and impact of International Jazz Day
Entertainment

RHYTHMS OF RECOGNITION: Unpacking the significance and impact of International Jazz Day

As we celebrate International Jazz Day, a designated occasion that resonates deeply with music lovers and cultural enthusiasts worldwide, it's essential to explore not only the significance of this vibrant genre but also the broader implications of such international observances. Established in 2011 by UNESCO to highlight jazz as a unifying force that transcends cultural and social barriers, International Jazz Day invites us to reflect on the role of music in fostering dialogue, understanding, and community. At its core, jazz embodies a spirit of improvisation and collaboration, mirroring the very essence of cultural exchange. Rooted in African American communities, and has since grown into a global phenomenon that inspires creativity and interaction across borders. The day serves as a ...
GOLD PLAQUES, BROKEN ENGLISH & BRAAI SMOKE: Inside Universal Music SA’s Maskandi madness
Entertainment

GOLD PLAQUES, BROKEN ENGLISH & BRAAI SMOKE: Inside Universal Music SA’s Maskandi madness

By Zee: Ma’am, grab your doeks and pour yourself a tall glass of umqombothi because what happened at Universal Music South Africa’s Rosebank HQ on Wednesday night was not for the weak. I repeat: Not for the faint-hearted! The event was advertised as a “Maskandi showcase,” but what we got was a musical thunderstorm of emotions, inflated egos, broken English, and hairlines so shiny, they nearly outshone the platinum plaques. Yes, I said it. And no, I won’t take it back. Let’s start with the scandal that was the timing: Two hours late, Ma’am. Two. The guests were restless,  umleqwa was running low, and I caught one influencer threatening to call Bolt home before Khuzani even stepped on stage. Chaos! Khuzani Maskandi artist (left) and Khuzani aga...
THE SACRED BEAT: Exploring the intersection of African drumming, music, ritual and spirituality
Entertainment

THE SACRED BEAT: Exploring the intersection of African drumming, music, ritual and spirituality

Drumming and percussion are much more than distinct musical forms; they serve as profound connectors between culture, spirituality, and communal existence. The intricacies of African rhythms encapsulate a holistic framework through which indigenous knowledge systems are expressed and transmitted. As vessels of culture and tradition, these rhythmic practices foster not only musical expression but also a rich tapestry of ritual and spirituality that both preserves and propels the essence of African heritage. African drumming is deeply embedded in the social fabric of many communities. From the Djembe of West Africa to the talking drums of the Yoruba people, drumming plays a central role in community gatherings, storytelling, and celebrations. Rhythmic patterns serve as a communal language...
PROUDLY SA’S GLAM SLAM: Mimosas, mic drops & high drama at the Mother’s Day soirée
Entertainment

PROUDLY SA’S GLAM SLAM: Mimosas, mic drops & high drama at the Mother’s Day soirée

By Zee: Darlings. Darlings. Darlings. When I say Proudly SA did not come to play this Mother’s Day, I mean they came to snatch wigs, set standards, and leave every woman in the room feeling like a queen with a throne made of rosé. The Venue at The Leslie? Transformed. Think Bridgerton meets Sandton glam, with a red carpet so plush it could’ve doubled as a runway. I glided in - fashionably late, of course - in head-to-toe drama: feathers, heels so high they came with a warning label, and a hat that nearly caused turbulence at OR Tambo. Champagne was flowing like gossip kumgidi kaMthutswane - and not just any bubbles, darling, but Proudly SA’s finest local MCCs. I had one in each hand. Hydration is key. The harvest table? Unspeakably decadent. Mini quiches whi...