South African actor Ernest Msibi, best known for his on-screen character Chester on Yizo Yizo, recently revealed that he is desperate for an acting job.

ERNEST MSIBI OPENS UP ABOUT HIS STRUGGLES
Despite being lauded as one of the best actors to come from South Africa, the 52-year-old actor has yet to star in any big-budget drama series in years.

Against his woes, Ernest Msibi now feels cancelled by the entertainment industry.

The star recently revealed to the media that he has been struggling to secure a job and has since turned to politics to make ends meet.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the former Yizo Yizo star was one of the actors who had joined the MK Party.

Some notable names from the entertainment industry working closely with the party include Mxolisi Mgingqeni Majozi and Papa Penny.

Ernest Msibi has it that he has been attending auditions but doesn’t get callbacks from casting directors.

Speaking to the media, Ernest Msibi said, “I don’t know what is happening. I go to the auditions, but I don’t get callbacks. I don’t know why I’m being sidelined like this. People are still celebrating me when they see me.

“But it’s hard now in this industry. Maybe people want to talk good things about me when I’m dead, but they’re failing to help me now that I’m still alive.”

CAREER
He was shot to fame in 1999 when he starred in Yizo Yizo. However, he had a dramatic exit in season 2.

Ernest Msibi once starred in Portrait of a Young Man Drowning as Boikie. In 2005, he landed the role of Vuvu in Zone 14.

Ernest Msibi was also part of the star-studded cast of Uzalo, where he played the on-screen character of Amos.

After leaving South Africa’s most-watched drama series, he joined Mzansi Magic’s hit series, Gomora. However, Ernest Msibi had a dramatic exit from Gomora. Rumour mill has it that he was fired.

The seasoned actor rejoined Uzalo after Gomora. Since then, he has yet to star in any big-budget drama series.

Ernest Msibi joins a host of actors who have opened up about their struggles of not finding jobs.

However, Innocent Masuku, who also starred alongside the seasoned actor, once revealed that he was looking for a job after falling on hard times.

Veteran actor Carlo Radebe, who was recently featured on Podcast and Chill with MacG, revealed that he has

Given the countless contributions to the South African arts and music scene, it’s evident that DJ Tira is undeniably one of the most beloved and respected artists in the country today.

While many people may celebrate him for his countless musical hits and multiple awards, there is one place where the producer, real name, Mthokozizi Khathi is truly honoured, and that is among some of his close family and friends – especially his wife Gugu.

Tira recently celebrated a milestone 48th birthday.

Taking to Instagram, Gugu honoured her husband for his impact on their family’s lives.

“Happy Birthday to the love of my life!” she wrote.

“You’ve been my friend, my partner, my husband, and the amazing dad of our little ones for 18 incredible years.”

“I am so grateful for every moment we’ve shared. Thank you for being my ride-or-die, my rock and my greatest blessing. Here’s to many more adventures together! I love you endlessly!” she concluded.

The pictures attached to the post-show the couple throughout the various chapters of their lives.According to news and entertainment publications TshisaLive and the George Herald, the couple had been dating for 18 years before eventually deciding to tie the knot in 2013. While they have been married for just over a decade, they continue to show support to one another in all that they strive to accomplish.

Together they share two boys and one daughter.

In a post of his own, Tira expressed his gratitude towards all of the birthday wishes.

During her recent De Original Careless podcast appearance, singer Queen Lolly made sensational claims about Gogo Skhotheni and Mpumelelo Mseleku.

During the podcast, Queen Lolly dropped a bombshell, accusing her former friend, Gogo Skhotheni, of an affair with Mpumelelo Mseleku.

According to Queen Lolly, Gogo Skhotheni, who had previously ghosted her, used her name to gain attention and boost her podcast. She claims that Gogo Skhotheni not only interviewed Mpumelelo, who is her ex-boyfriend but also used their connection for content.

“Gogo Skhotheni was my friend at that time so I got a DM from Gogo Skhotheni saying ‘Hi Doll can I please have you as my guest on my new venting podcast’. I said no problem I was in Durban at that time and she told me on Thursday, time went by she was not communicating anything the following week she called me and told me many stories and said let’s shoot on Friday she will send a driver and again she ghosted me.”

“I received a DM from Gogo Maweni informing me that I should check out Gogo Skhotheni’s page because she was interviewing my ex-boyfriend, Mpumelelo Mseleku. When I visited the page, the first thing I noticed they were the short clips made to grab people’s attention,” Queen Lolly revealed.

Queen Lolly expressed her frustration over not being informed about the interview by Gogo Skhotheni herself. She also mentioned that people, including the Izingane Zesthembu kids, have used her name to create misleading content, falsely accusing her of being sick and implicating Mpumelelo in her alleged illness.

She further claimed that Gogo Maweni informed her that Gogo Skhotheni and Mpumelelo were involved in an affair. Queen Lolly produced a voice note from Gogo Maweni discussing the situation at the Ubungoma Festival. According to the voice note, Gogo Maweni suggested that Gogo Skhotheni and Mpumelelo were openly affectionate despite Gogo Skhothen’s husband being presence, implying that there was a physical relationship between them.

Queen Lolly added that she confronted Gogo Skhotheni about these allegations, but Gogo Skhotheni was displeased with what Queen Lolly was asking and blocked her.

Mnqobi Yazo makes 360 turn from acting to musicby Sergio Miller
PICTURE: INSTAGRAM
It has been four years since the talented actor Mnqobi Yazo, real name Mnqobi Msimango was first introduced to South African television screens when he first made his appearance in the popular telenovela The River in 2020.

Following the success of his television debut, he has since entertained Mzansi in many more soapies, some of which included etv’s Durban Gen as well as his portrayal of the character Dlozi in Smoke & Mirrors.

Despite his journey in acting turning out to be a success, Mnqobi, who is also a talented Afro-pop singer has now revealed he intends to put his drama career on hold so he can focus more on making music.

The actor was recently interviewed by the news publication Daily Sun where he opened up more about his decision to make music his main priority.

“I’m a passionate musician more than an actor. So, I’ve decided to give my music more attention,” he explained.

With his latest album Ubhoko having been released, he said that he will be having a tour for his fans.

“The tour has already kicked off. It was in Cape Town in July where tickets were sold out, and I will do it at the Tropical Nites Theatre in Port Edward, KZN on 4-5 October.”

He added that he will continue to visit multiple cities and engage with his fans, and this would be his first tour since starting a music career.

Dj Thabo Mahundla who was born in Limpompo, widely known in the music industry as AirBurn Sounds has fallen victim to a violent home invasion, allegedly orchestrated by his former label boss, Phillip Makhate.

According to ZiMOJA, Phillip reportedly forced his way into Thabo’s Midrand home with six men, assaulting him and taking his studio equipment, including a hard drive with unreleased music. Despite previously agreeing to part ways peacefully, Phillip allegedly began releasing the music from the hard drive without crediting Thabo, which the producer’s legal team considers theft.

Thabo is now in the process of filing theft charges, breaking and assault. Phillip, however, claims that Thabo is under a five-year contract with his label, which gives him rights to all the music produced during that period.

TshisaLIVE reported that Thabo has built an impactful career producing hits for South African major artists like Master KG, Nomcebo Zikode, DJ Tira and Makhadzi. Some of his work includes a collaboration with Cameroonian-US star Akon.

The publication further reported that a source revealed that Phillip has done little for Thabo, and he hasn’t been paid for gigs despite working tirelessly.

The source questioned Phillip’s state of ownership over the artist, asking, “Phillip has not done much for AirBurn Sounds. Instead, he has produced more history than anything. He hasn’t been getting paid for gigs but has been working non-stop, and Phillip claims to own him. How do you own another man?”

The passing of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, a beloved Ukhozi FM radio presenter, has left a profound impact on many. After a brave battle with stage 4 cancer, she was laid to rest with a provincial funeral at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban last Saturday. Her legacy was honored by numerous gospel artists who came together to support her family, exemplifying the spirit of love and unity in their community.

In a heartwarming gesture, various gospel artists, including well-known names like Jumbo, Ayanda Ntanzi, Dumi Mkokstad, and Dr. Rebecca Malope, donated a cow to the Mbokazi-Nkambule family, which was presented to her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, during a memorial service. Such contributions are a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity that exist within the gospel music community, according to ZiMoja.However, amidst the solemn occasion, a troubling sentiment began to surface among the artists. Discontent grew as they reported feeling sidelined during the funeral proceedings, leaving some to leave the event feeling hungry and unrecognized. Several artists who spoke to ZiMoja—on the condition of anonymity—expressed disappointment, stating that they had to forgo food while dignitaries and family members were served first. One artist articulated, “It’s unacceptable for artists who have given so much to leave the funeral without even a meal. We are not saying we should have been prioritized, but it’s humane to offer food to mourners.”This sentiment highlights an important issue within funerary customs, especially in cases of significant community loss. Many artists voiced their concerns about not only their treatment at the funeral but also the lack of communication regarding the cow they generously donated. “We need to know what happened to the cow we donated. It should have been used to ensure that everyone who came to pay their last respects was fed,” added another artist.Reports indicate that the food for the event was located miles away in La Mercy, which further exacerbated the situation. The decision to serve food in such a distant location, rather than at the ICC, left many attendees frustrated and hungry. It is clear that logistical oversights may have overshadowed the heartfelt and noble intentions behind the donations from the gospel artists.

As a community, it is essential to recognize and value contributions from individuals who offer their support in times of grief. While the loss of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule is a devastating blow to her family, friends, and fans, it is equally important to respect and honor those who stood by her side in her final moments, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and recognition at memorial events.

The entertainment world was shaken by the news that popular actor and model Joe Kazadi was involved in a car accident while returning from a shoot. According to an announcement made by entertainment commentator @TvblogbyMLU on his X account, the incident occurred around 9 PM, and Kazadi has since been taken to the hospital for treatment. Fans and followers of the talented star are holding their breath as they await updates on his condition.

Kazadi is a familiar face to many as Philippe from the hit South African soap opera Uzalo. Known for his captivating performances, he has earned a reputation for portraying diverse characters, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. His journey into acting has taken him through various film and television productions, including notable appearances in Generations and The Queen. In 2021, he took on the role of Mukuna in the popular series Scandal, further solidifying his status as a versatile actor.

Beyond his acting career, Joe Kazadi is a multi-gifted individual. He is a trained chef with a passion for culinary arts, showcasing his talent in the kitchen alongside his performances on screen. This duality of skills highlights his entrepreneurial spirit, as he has successfully ventured into various creative domains, including scriptwriting, dancing, and fitness modeling. This complexity makes him a well-rounded artist and a source of inspiration for many aspiring individuals in the entertainment industry.
As news of the accident spreads, fans and colleagues alike are expressing their concern for Kazadi’s well-being. Social media platforms have become a space for messages of support and love from admirers who appreciate not just his talent but also his remarkable dedication to his craft. The sentiment is clear: Kazadi has made a significant impact on the lives of many through his performances, and his recovery is of paramount importance to all those who follow his career.

While the details of the accident remain sparse, it is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life. Kazadi’s community of fans, friends, and family eagerly awaits further updates on his health, hoping to see him back on screen and in the kitchen soon. As he navigates this challenging time, there’s no doubt that the resilience he has demonstrated throughout his career will serve him well.

As we hope for a swift recovery for Joe Kazadi, we are reminded of the importance of supporting our favorite artists not just in their successes but also in their moments of hardship. Stay tuned for more updates on this talented star as we wish him strength and a smooth path to recovery.

Harriet Manamela

In a night filled with glitz, glamour, and heartfelt moments, South African actress Harriet Manamela received a well-deserved recognition at the 7th Royalty Soapie Awards held at the Heartfelt Arena in Tshwane, Gauteng, on August 24, 2023. Manamela was celebrated for her outstanding performance as Meikie Maputla in the beloved SA telenovela, Skeem Saam, where she captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Winning the Outstanding Supporting Actress award, Manamela’s achievement was met with enthusiastic applause from fans who took to social media to express their excitement and pride in her accomplishment.Harriet Manamela’s journey in the entertainment industry is not just a testament to her talent but also to her dedication and passion for acting. Born in 1971 in Diepkloof, she completed her schooling at St. Anthony’s Centre in Boksburg. Her love for performance led her to join the Squints Artists Community Theatre Group in Alexandra, where she showcased her skills in numerous productions, including “The Virus” and “Let’s Talk About Aids” at The Market Theatre Laboratory Annual Festival.

 

 

 

 

 
With a rich foundation in theatre, Manamela has built an impressive resume that spans decades. She honed her craft at The Market Theatre Laboratory, where she starred in productions like “Broken Dreams” and participated in innovative projects such as Theatre Sports for SABC3. Her talent took her on tour to Sweden with “Gommorah” and marked her presence in many theatrical ventures that resonated within South Africa’s vibrant arts scene.

Manamela’s television career initiated in 1998, where she made her mark in popular series including “Soul City,” “Isidingo,” and the critically acclaimed “Yizo Yizo II.” Her versatility as an actress extended to film, appearing in notable works such as “Dr. Lucille,” “Hijack Stories,” and the poignant “Yesterday.”

In 2013, she further expanded her repertoire by joining the e.tv soapie “Rhythm City,” where she portrayed Nomzamo, a complex character battling alcoholism amid difficult circumstances. Manamela’s ability to breathe life into her characters has solidified her as a prominent figure in South African television.

The night of the Royalty Soapie Awards was not only a celebration of Manamela’s achievements but also an appreciation of the intricate stories and performances that South African soap operas have to offer. The event brought together the country’s television elites, creating a space where stars connected with their fans on the red carpet, highlighting the strong community that exists in the world of South African entertainment.

It’s moments like these that remind us of the dedication artists like Harriet Manamela pour into their craft. As she continues to inspire many through her roles, her recent award stands as a ‘feather in the cap’ of her already illustrious career, paving the way for future successes in the ever-evolving landscape of South African drama and entertainment.

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, few names have captivated the attention of users quite like Chidimma Adetshina. The former Miss South Africa finalist has recently found herself at the center of heated discussions following the fallout from her citizenship status and her subsequent participation in the Miss Universe Nigeria competition. As the dust settles from her controversial past, Chidimma’s resilience and ability to adapt have become topics of both admiration and scrutiny.

 

 

 

Chidimma first gained fame as a finalist in Miss South Africa, a position that typically signifies a stepping stone to greater opportunities in the beauty pageant industry. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when questions surrounding her citizenship arose. Reports indicated that her South African citizenship was acquired under dubious circumstances when she was just a baby, sparking an uproar on social media. The backlash was swift, with users unleashing torrents of vitriol directed at her, as many felt betrayed by the implications of her status.

In the wake of this controversy, Chidimma made the decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa pageant and redirected her efforts toward competing in Miss Universe Nigeria. This pivot not only showcases her determination to forge her own path but also reflects her desire to move beyond the controversy that has overshadowed her career. Her candidness and willingness to confront challenges head-on have resonated with many supporters who believe in her potential.

Recently, Chidimma found herself in the headlines once again, this time due to rumors that she is aThe incident underscores a critical challenge faced by public figures in the age of social media—where misinformation can spread rapidly and without verification. While Chidimma’s story has undoubtedly attracted a mix of admirers and detractors, it also highlights the potential for resilience in the face of adversity.

As the buzz around Chidimma Adetshina continues, it is essential to remember that behind the headlines are real people navigating complex lives. While speculation may be enticing, it is incumbent upon all of us to approach such narratives with a sense of responsibility and to recognize the impact our words can have on others. Chidimma’s journey is far from over, and how she chooses to navigate her path forward will undoubtedly remain a subject of interest and, perhaps, inspiration for many.

In a world where the line between fact and fiction can easily blur, Chidimma Adetshina serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and resilience, proving that while controversies may arise, they do not have to define one’s future.

If you’re as obsessed with Smoke and Mirrors as I am, then you’re in for a treat this week! Buckle up, because the drama is about to get real. In a plot twist that has us all on the edge of our seats, Sakhile is finally ready to lay his cards on the table. Spoiler alert: it’s all about love, heartbreak, and some very messy feelings!

 

So, here’s the scoop. This week, we see Sakhile getting real with himself and realizing that the spark with Azania just isn’t there anymore. After what feels like endless episodes of tension and uncertainty, our boy is finally breaking free. There’s nothing worse than being in a relationship that feels more like a chore than a blissful connection, right? And let’s be honest, we’ve all been there, feeling like we’re just going through the motions with the wrong person.

With the realization that it’s time to move on, Sakhile gathers his courage and decides to confess his feelings to none other than Petunia. Can you imagine the butterflies in his stomach? He’s finally ready to tell her that he loves her and that, yes, he really does have feelings for her! Just thinking about that moment gives me chills. It’s the kind of romance we’ve all been waiting for—a chance for two hearts to beat as one, free from the distractions of a loveless relationship.

However, as is often the case in this whirlwind of emotions, things get complicated fast. Azania, who has been blissfully unaware of Sakhile’s shifting affections, is going to feel downright betrayed. Guess who’s now the target of her fury? That’s right, it’s Petunia. In her eyes, Petunia is the one that “stole her man.” Talk about a classic love triangle! The drama is bound to spiral, igniting some serious confrontations. Can Petunia handle the heat, or will she be caught off guard by Azania’s wrath?

As we dive deeper into this week’s episodes, tensions will rise, and emotions will run high. I can already picture the look on Sakhile’s face when he finally confesses his love—just a mixture of hope and dread hanging in the air. Will Petunia reciprocate his feelings? And how will Azania respond to the shock of betrayal?

You won’t want to miss a second of the action this week on Smoke and Mirrors! Catch all the unraveling drama weeknights at 21:00. Trust me, you’ll want to see how this love story unfolds.