Sweet Guluva's next act: 'Big Brother' star takes on 'Black Gold' drama
Image: Instagram
Since being crowned 'Big Brother Mzansi' season 5 winner earlier this year, Sweet Guluva (real name is Akhonamathemba Mbele) has wasted no time turning his reality show fame into a multi-faceted career.
From securing brand partnerships to stepping into music and now making his acting debut, the 23-year-old is steadily building on the ambitions he spoke of after his R2 million win.
Guluva has joined the cast of 'Black Gold', BET Africa's latest telenovela series, which promises a gripping mix of betrayal, legacy and the fight for power in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal.
At the centre of the story is media personality Nomalanga Shozi, who plays Amandla Zungu, a principled daughter of the soil whose life is shattered after being falsely accused of her father's murder.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Her stepmother, Florence, portrayed by Dawn Thandeka King, is behind the betrayal, conspiring alongside Sello Maake KaNcube's character Tom Motsepe.
The cast also features Nomsa Buthelezi, Warren Masemola, Zamani Mbatha and many others.
'Black Gold" is a celebration of African storytelling at its finest, rich in culture, layered in emotion, and driven by a stellar cast that brings these powerful characters to life.
"At BET Africa, we are committed to showcasing narratives that reflect the beauty, strength, and complexity of black lives.
'This series is a tribute to black resilience, black love, and the unbreakable spirit of our communities,' said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and GM of Paramount Africa and Lead for BET International.
Mandla N, executive director at Black Brain Pictures, added: 'Creating 'Black Gold' was a game-changing experience; it shook us as much as it will shake the audience.
"Partnering with BET on this co-production is more than just making a show; it's about reinvesting in our industry, breaking barriers, and taking a bold step forward for local storytelling and long-term growth. 'Black Gold' is raw, emotional, and unapologetically authentic storytelling.'
In addition to his acting career, Guluva is also making waves in the music industry. In June, he collaborated with DJ Zinhle on a single titled "Sweet Guluva", which also features Nokwazi and Ndloh.
DJ Zinhle revealed that the collaboration stemmed from her admiration for him and a personal connection, as she attended school with his mother, Bongiwe Zwane.
The song's isiZulu lyrics celebrate his rise to fame, with a refrain that playfully asks, 'Umuntu onjani lona? Uhlanyisa umhlaba wonke madoda' ('What type of person is this, who captured the hearts of so many?').
When he left the 'Big Brother' house, Guluva shared with 'Independent Media Lifestyle' that he is gunning for every corner of the entertainment industry, from voice-overs and presenting to radio and music.
Less than a year later, he is already ticking those boxes, making the most of his moment in the spotlight.
"Black Gold' is set to premiere on BET Africa (DStv channel 129) on August 18 at 6.30pm.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
24 minutes ago
- IOL News
Mshini Lekwadu breaks silence: 'Big Brother' star addresses Emtee's private messages amid cheating allegations
Former 'Big Brother Mzansi' star Mshini Lekwadu claims that her private conversations with rapper Emtee were only professional. Image: X/@MshiniLekwadu Rapper Emtee is making headlines after his wife, Nicole Kendall Chinsamy, shared screenshots of his private conversations with several women. Among them was former 'Big Brother Mzansi: Umlilo' contestant Sphesihle 'Mshini' Lekwadu, who, in the messages, appeared to be discussing a possible visit from the 'Roll Up' hitmaker. Following the public backlash, Mshini released a statement addressing the matter. She explained that she had been a supporter of Emtee during her time in the 'Big Brother Mzansi' house and that he contacted her after the show to thank her for the support. 'I am genuinely a fan of his music,' she said, adding that she had expressed interest in being part of one of his future music videos. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ According to Mshini, their exchanges on social media were brief and, in her view, professional. She said Emtee later asked when he could visit and where she lived, and she shared her address because she believed the discussion was 'strictly business-related' and connected to her support for his work. She also disputed the way the messages were presented online, saying the screenshots only showed the part where she sent her address, without the full context. Mshini emphasised that this was misleading and did not accurately represent the nature of their conversation. She stressed that her 'intention was purely professional' and that she values her brand, supporters, and reputation. Rapper Emtee's wife Nicole exposes Mshini the BBM contestant as one of the girls in her husband's dm's. — Sanele Nkosi (@sanelenkosiii) August 11, 2025
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Chidimma Adetshina fires back at 'ungrateful' claims while reflecting on her Miss SA journey
Chidimma Adetshina, the controversial beauty queen, addressed online trolls who criticised her perceived ingratitude regarding the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant opportunity she received last year. This came after Adetshina reflected on her Miss SA journey. Image: Instagram Former Miss South Africa contestant, Chidimma Adetshina, clapped back at critics who claimed that she is ungrateful after she reflected on her tumultuous journey in SA's glamorous beauty pageant. It has now been a year since Adetshina has been making headlines, and her journey in Miss SA last year was full of hurdles. And after weeks of being attacked on social media, the model was forced to withdraw a few hours before the finale. In a post shared on her Instagram story on Monday, August 11, she shared: 'Last year this time my dreams were shattered in front of my eyes but I am grateful for this journey.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ However, this post was met with a lot of criticism from the public, which prompted the 24-year-old beauty queen to address the comments and trolling directed at her. Taking to Instagram on Monday, August 11, she hit back at her Nigerian fanbase who claimed that she is ungrateful because the Miss Universe Nigeria organisation gave her a platform last year after she withdrew from Miss SA. She wrote: 'So sad how a person cannot reflect on her journey. I've been receiving so many messages saying how was your dream shattered? You being ungrateful and so many things. 'Firstly, the 10th of August was the day the show was held; however, I couldn't participate. On the 14th of August, I accepted the invitation. Today is not the 14th??' A screenshot of Chidimma Adetshina addressing online trolls who claim she is ungrateful. Image: Instagram Stories Adetshina added that they should leave her alone and let her look back at how her journey was because even though it was an emotional and tough journey, she is still grateful. 'You guys should allow a person to reflect in peace. It's been a year, and I'm more grateful than ever because my plans didn't work for me, but God's plans did. 'This month last year was filled with so much emotions, but looking back, it was all worth it. How am I being ungrateful when I'm LITERALLY living in answered prayers!!! The end of one journey was the beginning of another and a step to my dream,' she added. Adetshina has been opening up about her experience since she was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Taylor Swift announces her 12th studio album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl'
Taylor Swift has officially announced her 12th studio album, 'The Life of a Showgirl'. Image: Instagram Taylor Swift has revealed her next project, confirming that her 12th studio album will be titled 'The Life of a Showgirl'. She announced it during an appearance on 'New Heights', the podcast hosted by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce. Speculation began earlier this week when a countdown clock appeared on Swift's official website on Monday, August 11. The timer reached zero at 12.12am ET (6.12am SAST) on Tuesday, August 12, leading to the launch of pre-orders for the album in vinyl, CD and cassette formats. While no official release date has been confirmed, product descriptions indicate that physical copies will be shipped before October 13, hinting at an early October launch. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The official cover art and tracklist have not yet been revealed. Current pre-order listings show a placeholder design featuring a blurry mint green background with a glittery burnt-orange padlock. A note on the page explains that the design is for display purposes only and that full details will be announced at a later date. Swift is expected to reveal the real artwork during her 'New Heights' podcast episode on Wednesday, August 13, at 7pm ET (Thursday, 1am SAST). In a short clip posted on Instagram, Swift holds up a blurred copy of the record, telling the hosts, 'This is my brand new album, 'The Life of a Showgirl''. The album follows 'The Tortured Poets Department' in 2024, which, according to Billboard, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and delivered the biggest opening week of her career. The project also earned her another Album of the Year nomination at the Grammy Awards. 'The Life of a Showgirl' will be her first release since she regained ownership of her first six albums. Swift lost control of her master recordings in 2020 when they were sold to an investment group by Scooter Braun, a transaction reportedly worth over $300 million (about R5.46 billion). She was in the process of re-recording her album with a couple of 'Taylor versions' singles already released. She later acquired the rights from Shamrock Capital, marking a turning point in her career and giving her full control over her past and future work.
