Beauty influencer makes her debut on #SABC

Beauty influencer and fashion stylist Tshiamo Modisane is making her acting debut with a groundbreaking non-binary character that will highlight LGBTQI+ representation on mainstream television.

Modisane has been cast in new SABC1 TV series African Dreams, portraying non-binary character Thabang Sithole.
She is content producer for the latest and final season of celebrity gossip show Real Goboza.

"I'm very excited, mostly because I've always seen myself behind the scene. Even though I've done a few acting cameos, having an actual character that appears in 13 episodes of the show is amazing. I believe that my character plays a very pivotal part on the show," Modisane says.

"I connected so much with the character that I had my boobs flattened. I tried to be as flat-chested as possible to pull off a convincing act."

Being in her 30s, Modisane had to research slang words used by Gen Z to match the character. Social media platform Twitter helped a lot with that.

"However, the thing I found easy to execute was bringing truth to my character's ambition seeing that I also implemented that in my career," Modisane says.

Modisane, who identifies as genderqueer, hopes that SA children, especially those in the LGBTQI+ community, will see themselves reflected in the character.

Njeza and Nosipho's toxic relationship on #Uzalo explained. #SouthAfricaBlog

Nosipho (Nompilo Maphumulo) finds herself in a position she never dreamt she'd be in: she's a battered woman and scared for her life. What started out as a few shoves at the end of September escalates into full-on abuse by the man she deeply loves Njeza (Nkanyiso Makhanya).

"The abuse goes from just threats to him choking her, kicking and slapping her until she has bruises on her face," reveals Nompilo. "Nosipho is in too deep and crazy in love with her man and she wants to cover up for him.

She doesn't want anybody to know what's happening between them. He's buying her make up to hide the bruises and she sees this as a gesture of love." 

But that changes when Njeza beats Nosipho to the point where she decides that she needs to buy a gun to protect herself from him…

SCARED & ALONE

Nosipho is growing increasingly worried that the next time Njeza hits her, she may die. "So the gun is there to shoot him and put a stop to the abuse," says Nompilo. "She doesn't want to go to the police, and she has no one that she can talk to about her problems." 

But before she can use it, Njeza – who was released from prison a year ago after serving time for killing his dad after the man had beaten Njeza's mom to death – begs her for forgiveness. He explains his family history in an effort to try make her understand his actions. 

"Njeza saw how his father dealt with his mother when she disrespected him. He beat her up to make her toe the line," explains Nkanyiso. So Njeza does the same to Nosipho…

Njeza feels that Nosipho deserves it, he thinks that disrespects him in public and in front of his family. "That makes him feel less of a man outside of their relationship," adds Nkanyiso.

Njeza begs Nosipho for forgiveness – again. "He really loves Nosipho, that's why he keeps going back to apologise to her, because he doesn't want to lose her. Njeza sees that he has a problem, but he doesn't know how to deal with it. He never got counselling for the trauma that he experienced with his father, so he never got a chance to deal with it," explains Nkanyiso.

'Skinfluencer' comfortable in her own skin! #GirlTalkZA

Mpoomy Ledwaba is breaking all stereotypes imposed on women by living loudly in her imperfections.

The 26-year-old, married to Brenden Praise from Idols SA, has embarked on a skin journey as one of Nivea's Skinfluencers. The group will learn, teach and engage women on skincare. 

Although she s now embracing 'that every part of herself, Ledwaba admits it has not always been the case.

"I was not always comfortable in my own skin. Fully loving and embracing my skin was and still is a journey that I'm vulnerable and comfortable with. I am comfortable with not always feeling great," Ledwaba says.

The mother of two experienced skin breakouts post-pregnancy. "My skin was a mess, I had to be intentional with the food I was eating, drinking lots of water, incorporating a routine and treatments," she says. 

"It's been important to recognise that as my hormones change so do my skin's needs. Taking care of my skin is something I've fallen in love with. Nothing beats being able to enjoy a make-up free day with a smile."

For Ledwaba, "beauty is freedom", meaning that one has to be free with their "unique beauty, in all shapes, sizes, textures and colours".

"I do believe beauty is skin deep. We could play around and say not really, but how you view yourself from the inside is what matters most. All other voices don't matter if you don't see or feel it."

She says the most important thing she aims to do is limit her stress levels and drink more water.

Nandi Dlepu gives women the thumbs up!

Anchored on a narrative that seeks to inspire creative women entrepreneurs and freelancers, co-founder of Bloom, strategist and curator Nandi Dlepu believes driving the right types of conversations to help women find growth in their business is key to elevating their chances in the creative space.

"Founding Bloom came from a personal need. About five years ago I was looking to leave advertising and I wanted to start my own business. I was looking for a platform that will kind of inspire and empower me on my journey. Although I found amazing female-led platforms, what was continuously missing, according to me, was that they focus on traditional careers quite often.

"The need for funding for a creative business is different compared to a traditional business. And, that's actually how Bloom started," Dlepu said.

"It was like, I'm looking for this 'thing'. I can't find it! Then I thought: 'I'm going to host a get together where women are going to talk about their journey, where we'd have some creative entrepreneurs come and talk about their journey'.

"I then urged people to sign up and we were over capacity I noticed that that need was mirrored by other women who were looking for the same kind of assistance for their business in the creative space."

Creating experiences to inspire creative females through conversations of "diversity of thought" and "women in leadership in the creative industry" was the order of the recent Women in Bloom event.

Celebrities rev up SUV challenge

The annual SUV Challenge is coming to KwaZulu-Natal this month.

Launched in 2018, the annual event has taken place in the Eastern Cape over the past few years.

The Challenge is a fusion of adventure with social responsibility, as it aims to promote road safety, travel and tourism, social cohesion and development in a fun way.

The KZN SUV Challenge tour will unfold over six days from October 18 to 23. The tour starts in Jozini where a road safety activation will be undertaken along the Jozini Interchange, aimed at encouraging behavioural change among motorists and road users at large.

"Since inception three years ago, the SUV Challenge has become a dominant feature in the calendars of adventure enthusiasts. What sets us apart is our ethos of responsible, impactful fun, said Siyavuya Mbete of Deep Sky Blue, founders of the SUV Challenge.

In line with its theme of impactful fun, the tour will entail a range of community outreach activations, including a major vaccination drive to encourage the public to get their Covid-19 vaccine, as well as address the issue of gender-based violence.

"Our line-up of community outreaches includes road safety awareness campaigns, sponsorship and motivational talks at rural schools, social cohesion activities, and a clean-up campaign," added Mbete.

Heritage sites to be visited along the tour route include the King Cetshwayo Capture Site, Isandlwana Battlefield, Kwakhangelamankengane Royal Palace, Nelson Mandela Capture Site and Isithumba Adventure Park.

#Tecno Spark 7 launched in South Africa. #MondayMotivation #PhoneReview

Mobile brand Tecno Mobile launched its latest offering, the Tecno Spark 7 Pro, last week. 

Available for sale in South Africa next month, it offers a 48MP Clear Triple Camera and a new Helio G80 chipset. 

The phone also has a 6.6-inch edge-to-edge display, complete with Super Night Mode. Stephen Ha, the general manager of Tecno Mobile, said the company was focused on what younger generations wanted from their smartphones. 

Mzansi's top celebrities party up a Heritage Day storm as #NescafeRicoffy turns 50. #SPEAKMZANSAY #MZANSAY #MondayMotivation

It was time to party as Nescafe RICOFFY celebrated turning 50 years old this week, at one of Joburg's hidden gem venues, the Hallmark House, that overlooks the beautiful skyline this city has to offer.

The 50th birthday party was attended by the who's who of Mzansi, and guests were serenaded with epic performances by legends, that one would otherwise have had to spend a fortune to see.

Imagine getting a front row seat to watch performances from global superstar Master KG, renowned duo Mafikizolo and even Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, during a pandemic? A once in a lifetime experience.

Under the theme "Express your South Africanness", guests put their best foot forward in varying interpretations of what African Heritage means to them, creating a myriad colours and creativity that Mzansi is best known for.

Before being admitted to the party, guests were tested for Covid-19, but the regulations continued inside the venue, which made guests like myself feel more relaxed.

The party was hosted by multi-talented Jason Goliath and a string of celebrities adorned the top floor with actress Thembi Seete, who never seems to age a day in her life, dazzling in a red and floral top, and designer Gert Johan Coetzee joined the flaming red squad (which seemed to be the dominating colour) in a beautiful red short suit, with a white T-shirt and sneakers.

The Princess of Africa Yvonne Chaka-Chaka calmed the fiery situation with her elegant blue dress, Hotstix keeping it simple in black, and Mafikizolo duo Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza never disappointing with style. 

Nhlanhla shone bright in a pink tutu dress, while Theo kept it smart yet elegant in black.

And you know you've made it when even celebrities want to take a picture with you, right? The humble, and seemingly shy, Master KG was the centre of attention, as stars lined up to grab him for a quick snap. All he could do was smile and nod. Shame man!

The rest of the day, right into the early night, as the sun descended and caressed Johannesburg's buildings, giving off wonderful spring hues, performances continued and guests danced, all in celebration of a brand that has been a part of Mzanzi's heritage for 50 years. 

Ndlovu Youth Choir in #Disney adventure

The world has truly become an oyster for the Ndlovu Youth Choir, who are set to feature in a spectacular new Disney production in the US.

The choir made the announcement on its social media platforms on Thursday, much to the delight of fans.

"We are incredibly excited to announce that we are part of a cast of musicians from around the world that perform in Disney's new production, Harmonious.
"The show is one of the largest night-time spectaculars ever created for Disney Parks.

"We're youth from Moutse, Limpopo, and are now part of a global production in one of the biggest shows ever created. Dreams do come true."

According to Disney World, the nightly show kicks off on October 1 at Epcot theme park in Florida, US.

"The heart of the Epcot transformation comes to life with Harmonious, one of the largest night-time spectaculars ever created for Disney Parks.

"The show is a beautifully crafted medley of classic Disney music and visuals reinterpreted by a culturally diverse group of 240 artists.

"This magnificent new show brings to World Showcase Lagoon an innovative combination of floating giant screens, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and lasers in a 360-degree view," Disney World said.

The choir's fans could hardly contain their excitement.

"Amazing! Congrats! Go show them what South African talent is all about!" one fan said.

"The world is now your oyster! What an opportunity," another said.

Thuso Mbedu bags another gig

Thuso Mbedu's star keeps shining brighter and we can't help but be proud.

The Underground Railroad star will be one of the celebrities making an appearance on Rihanna's Savage x Fenty Vol. 3 show.

Rihanna shared a trailer of the show on her Instagram account, ahead of appearing at the Met Gala.

This is another achievement for Mbedu, whose critically acclaimed performance on Railroad earned her a Hollywood Critics Association Award, and also a role on Tristar Pictures' The Woman King, alongside Viola Davis.

Mbedu recently shared a campaign with French luxury maison, Christian Dior, for their Miss Dior perfume.

She is also currently on the cover of W magazine, where she has been named one the new pop culture icons.

The fashion show/concert, which showcases the latest range from Rihanna's lingerie brand, will premiere on Friday, September 24, on Amazon Prime Video.

Teasing the upcoming show, Rihanna said: "We want to make people look good and feel good. We want you to feel sexy and have fun doing it."

The Savage x Fenty lingerie show has become one of the most anticipated shows since it launched in 2019, and it is mainly due the art direction, the diversity the show features and, of course, the garments.

#YouTube is searching for South African creators who will earn big bucks! #SouthAfricaBlog

YouTube has announced that the Youtube Nextup programme will be available in Nigeria and South Africa. The programme is an opportunity for creators to take their content creation to the next level.

Twenty creators with eligible channels will be selected to win a production stipend of $1 000 (about R15 000) to be used for the acquisition of production equipment to advance their Youtube careers.

The selected creators will also have the opportunity to attend a week-long intensive "Creator Camp", learn new skills and access support by the Youtube partnerships team.

The Youtube Nextup programme is available to creators who are committed to advancing their Youtube careers and producing fresh and compelling content.

Eligible channels for selection into the Youtube Nextup programme should have 10 000 to 100 000 subscribers and at least three pieces of original and native video content uploaded in the past three months.

Channel accounts must be compliant with the Youtube community guidelines and have no strikes. Participation in other Youtube creator master classes is also a basis for acceptance.

"We believe that the next generation of successful creators are already honing their skills on Youtube," says Addy Awofisayo, Youtube Content Partnership in Sub-saharan Africa.

"We are excited that the Youtube Nextup programme will help take creators to the next level in their Youtube careers, enabling them to develop whole new genres and online experiences for audiences around the world."

Applications for the Youtube Nextup programme are open.

To apply for Youtube Nextup, each creator must submit an entry form with the video they are most proud of and that best represents their technical production skills, creativity and storytelling ability.