Somizi, Tertius Meintjies and more: The LifeStyle Wrap
While the Met Gala claims the first Monday in May, South Africans dress to the nines year in and year out for the Durban July. This year's theme called for The Marvels of Mzansi and we caught up with Somizi Mhlongo on his gown paying homage to the Sunday Times.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
ZULO's new EP 'Z' - a heartfelt love letter to South Africa's enduring spirit
South African rapper ZULO makes a bold comeback with 'Z', a punchy three-track EP that delivers beyond its brief runtime. Image: Supplied South African rapper and cultural commentator ZULO has made a striking return to the music scene with the release of 'Z', a tightly constructed three-track EP that packs far more than its brief runtime suggests. Blending elements of faith, cultural homage and hard-earned resilience, 'Z' is a deeply personal and political work - an introspective yet explosive project that sees ZULO claiming his place as a fully formed, unapologetic voice in South African hip hop. At first glance, the EP might seem minimal in scale, but its emotional and sonic impact is anything but. Each track is a meticulously crafted chapter in a larger story of identity, legacy, and survival. With this project, ZULO distils his years of growth - both personal and artistic - into a clear and commanding sound that is equal parts bold, vulnerable and proudly rooted in his South African upbringing. Anchoring the project is the lead single, 'Sweeter Success', a rhythmically rich, Afrobeats-inspired anthem that carries the warm glow of nostalgia. Built around a shimmering sample of UPZ's timeless 'Pure Surprise', the song captures a feeling many South Africans know well - that moment when a familiar tune cuts through the noise and anchors you to a place, a memory, a people. 'The fact that you can go to every event in the country and the DJ always drops 'Pure Surprise', that's culture,' says ZULO. 'I needed that feeling. I needed them to feel a memory when listening to this song. It's a cheat code.' At first glance, "Z" might seem minimal in scale, but its emotional and sonic impact is anything but. Image: Supplied But beneath the track's soulful bounce and catchy melodies lies something more complex. 'Sweeter Success' confronts the often-unseen emotional cost of ambition - the burnout, the sacrifice, the endless grind. Produced by ZULO himself, with contributions from Miglow and SpiceDrums, the song balances light and darkness, triumph and tension. It's both a celebration and a cry for help. The EP opens with 'God's Armour', a commanding track that blends gospel undertones with the grit of trap drums and brass instrumentation. It's a protest song - raw, righteous and rooted in spiritual resistance. ZULO isn't just rapping here; he's bearing witness, channelling divine protection while standing firmly in defiance of societal pressures and inner demons. The closing track, 'Spaan', brings the project full circle, diving into SA's unhealed wounds. Sampling Kamazu and laced with a gritty sonic palette, the song touches on the realities of addiction, generational poverty and post-apartheid disillusionment - all through the lens of Coloured South African identity. It's a fearless reckoning with the past and present, told from the perspective of someone who's lived both. 'These songs are battle cries and war journals,' ZULO explains. ''Z' is everything I've fought through to stand where I am. It's my truth. It's my fingerprint.' ZULO's musical journey began early. Born and raised in Johannesburg, he first gained attention in high school under the moniker Lil Trix, releasing no fewer than eight mixtapes before matriculating. His early work earned him radio airplay on YFM and 5FM, as well as a finalist spot on Channel O's 'ShizNiz: King of the Mixtape' - a rite of passage for many rising local hip hop stars. But as he matured, so did his artistry. Shedding the Lil Trix name, ZULO emerged with a more refined vision - one that prioritises substance over flash, and legacy over virality. His rebrand marked not only a change in name but a full creative rebirth. With this new identity, he has consistently delivered music that fuses personal narrative with cultural commentary, earning him respect as both a lyricist and a visionary. Recent singles like 'Adawise', 'JOL', 'Garden', and 'Smaak To Love (Lamza)' laid the foundation for 'Z', offering glimpses of his sonic versatility.
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Reality TV star Wandi Ndlovu to appear in court this week after uncle's stabbing
Wandi Ndlovu, a reality TV star, and her mother and sister have been arrested after a violent altercation that led to her uncle's death in Katlehong. Reality TV star Wandi Ndlovu is set to appear in court this week after an incident involving her uncle's stabbing in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, along with other family members. The self-described sugar baby and personality on Showmax's controversial show This Body Works for Me is drawing public attention with the case. The 26-year-old, her mother, and her sister, Ntombifuthi Ndlovu, are being held behind bars following an alleged violent family altercation in Katlehong. This altercation left her uncle, Linda Ndlovu, dead. The trio is expected to make a court appearance tomorrow at Palm Ridge Court as investigations continue. This week, South Africans will learn more about Ndlovu's uncle's stabbing. Wandi Ndlovu to appear in court after uncle's stabbing The incident took place in the early hours of last month. Speculation says it allegedly involved a dispute over loud music. Police are investigating as details emerge. The incident has gained significant social media responses and coverage. Wandi Ndlovu. Picture: Instagram According to police sources and insider reports, the violent incident took place between midnight and 3am from Friday into Saturday. It was allegedly sparked by a noise complaint from Wandi's mother. ALSO READ: Minnie Dlamini sues MacG and Sol Phenduka for R2.5 million over podcast remarks The uncle, Linda, lived in a backroom on the family property. He was reportedly playing loud music when his sister (Wandi's mom) went to ask him to lower the volume. An argument broke out, and Linda allegedly struck his sister on the head with a golf club. Bleeding and injured, she returned to the main house. That's allegedly when Wandi, her sister Ntombifuthi, and another sister, who is currently in Grade 11 allegedly went to confront their uncle. 'One of them stabbed the uncle during the confrontation,' said a family insider. When paramedics arrived, it was too late to take him to the hospital. The Grade 11 sibling, who is a minor, has since been released from custody. Minor sibling released from custody Meanwhile, Wandi, her mother, and Ntombifuthi remain in custody at Sun City Prison pending further investigation. Police are yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Wandi Ndlovu. Picture: Instagram The tragedy has caused a stir in the Katlehong community. This is especially after a voice recording surfaced online, allegedly of Wandi's aunt (her mother's sister), who was an eyewitness to the entire incident. The late uncle Linda is believed to have been the breadwinner. Wandi relocated and is mostly based in Nigeria and claimed she got married. He was living in the back room and was said to be providing financial support to some members of the family. The house was reportedly newly built by Wandi after her return from Nigeria. She was working as an adult entertainer and had recently BBL surgery and other changes. While South Africans await official police comment, many have taken to social media. They express anger, disbelief, and sorrow over the killing.
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Global icon Anthony Hamilton partners to eliminate period poverty and empower young girls
As South Africa shifts from the celebrations of Mandela Month into the fervour of Women's Month, global R&B sensation Anthony Hamilton is stepping into the spotlight to advocate for a cause that unites both commemorations: empowering young girls and eradicating period poverty. This initiative shines a light on a pressing issue faced by countless girls, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Hamilton, who was raised by a single mother, carries a deeply personal motivation for joining this worthy cause. 'This event celebrates us as people. I was raised by a single mother who taught me strength, compassion, and resilience. I am honoured to be part of an effort that builds confidence in young girls as I share my life and my music. I am proud to support this journey of making it lighter for girls by helping to eliminate period poverty and give them hope for a better future,' he remarked. On Thursday, a vibrant activation event geared towards this cause took place at Winile Secondary School in the Zonke iZizwe informal settlement in Katlehong. This school, located in a region grappling with high unemployment and child-headed households, has been a beneficiary of support from the Imbumba Foundation since 2013, which has implemented its Caring4Girls Programme aimed at providing essential dignity packs to girls. Richard Mabaso, CEO of the Imbumba Foundation, highlighted the significance of their long-standing partnership with Winile Secondary School. 'For over a decade, we have walked alongside Winile Secondary School. We started supporting it in 2013, and today, six learners are here representing hundreds of girls who receive dignity packs through our Caring4Girls Programme. To date, we have reached over three million learners nationwide. The upcoming event is more than a concert; it is a lifeline, a symbol of hope, and an opportunity to continue transforming lives,' Mabaso stated. Among the beneficiaries is 16-year-old Refiloe Mofokeng, a Grade 10 learner who expressed her gratitude and inspiration: 'Having Anthony Hamilton here is inspiring. It shows that no matter where you come from, you can still be confident and believe in yourself. This is not just an event for fun. It's about empowering girls like me to dream bigger and feel supported.' Event promoter Mandisa Makhalima stressed the collective responsibility required to tackle the issue of period poverty. 'This battle requires all of us, artists, businesses, communities, and individuals, to work together. Mandela Month reminds us of service, and Women's Month reminds us of the strength of women and girls. Through this concert, we are combining both legacies to uplift those who need it most and to help end period poverty.' South Africans have been called to mark their calendars for Saturday, August, 9, 2025 when a concert featuring Hamilton will take place with the portion of ticket sales set to directly benefit the Imbumba Foundation's Caring4Girls Programme, ensuring that even more girls have the opportunity to attend school with dignity and confidence. Saturday Star
