Mandla N lauds Dawn Thandeka King and Sello Maake Ncube as they join his new series
'They don't just act they breathe life into the story and, in doing so, they elevate the entire production. Their presence on set is both grounding and inspiring.'
Black Gold, which explores themes of legacy, ambition and the complexities of South African family dynamics, is poised to make a strong debut on BET. With a powerhouse cast and Mandla N at the helm, the series promises high drama, emotional depth and top-tier performances.
Mandla added that working with Dawn and Sello is 'a masterclass in performance, leadership, and humility'.
'I remain inspired every time I share a set with them. What's even more special is the energy they bring: always warm, always professional and always uplifting.'

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
Keisha White expresses excitement for the Tribute to Women concert in South Africa
Keisha White joins Tribute to Women festival line-up Image: Supplied International artist and powerhouse vocalist Keisha White has been added to the line-up of the Tribute to Women concert. Speaking to IOL, the musician who rose to fame with her soulful blend of R&B, pop, and gospel influences, shared that she is honoured to share her voice on the Tribute to Women stage. 'South Africa has always held a very special place in my heart, not just for its incredible history and culture, but also for the love and support the people have shown my music over the years.' The 'The Weakness is Me' hitmaker revealed that she immediately felt connected to the festival's purpose, 'celebrating the strength, beauty, and resilience of women.' 'As an artist, I believe music has the power to uplift and inspire, and being part of an event that honours women in such a powerful way felt like the perfect alignment.' White, like the rest of the world, has eyes on South Africa's music scene. 'It's soulful, rhythmic, and always evolving,' she describes. 'I've always admired the way South African artists blend tradition with modern sounds. 'Artists like Black Coffee have made such a global impact, and I also love what younger artists like Tyla are doing, bringing fresh energy and putting South African music on the world stage.' For White, music is about connection, and doesn't put off the idea of a collaboration with a local artist. 'I'd love to collaborate with South African artists, whether it's blending soulful vocals with Amapiano or exploring Afro-soul.' The song, 'The Weakness in Me,' put White on the map; to date, it has 10 million streams on Spotify and 16 million on YouTube. Originally written by renowned singer and women's rights activist Joan Armatrading, the first time White heard the song, she felt such a deep connection. Even though the lyrics were not hers, the emotions were real, and White sang the lyrics as if they were her own. 'That's the beauty of soul music, you take someone else's words, but you pour your own experiences into it so people feel the truth.' When White recorded 'The Weakness In Me,' she was growing, learning, and discovering who she was both personally and musically, which is why the song still resonates - it's real and timeless. 'That song captured my emotional honesty as a young woman finding her voice. It wasn't just about love; it was about vulnerability, choices, and the messiness of being human.'


The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Milk + Cookies festival returns to South Africa with bigger plans
The celebrated Milk + Cookies Festival is making a highly anticipated return to South Africa in January 2026. The festival organisers have lined up two major events in Cape Town on 3 January and Johannesburg on 10 January. After a record-breaking inaugural run in 2025, the festival is set to elevate its cultural, musical, and community experience to new heights. Last year's debut drew over 30,000 attendees across both cities. It generated more than 250 million press and social media impressions. The festival also created more than 2,000 job opportunities within the South African economy. 'Milk + Cookies was never just about music. It was a global-meets-local cultural movement,' said DJ, one of the festival organisers. 'We want to continue connecting international talent with South African creativity on a much bigger scale.' The 2025 festival showcased headline performances by international stars like Kaytranada. He performed alongside local vendors, community activations, and engaging discussions led by over 36 international speakers. More than 60 local acts participated, highlighting the vibrant South African artistic landscape, according to Slikour On Life The festival attracted over 600 international visitors, boosting tourism and positioning South Africa as a thriving cultural hub. Looking ahead to 2026, Milk + Cookies promises even more world-class performances and community-driven events. The organisers plan to deepen cultural collaborations and bring fresh, diverse content to both Cape Town and Johannesburg. Fans are already building excitement, even though the full Milk + Cookies festival lineup has yet to be announced. Early Bird tickets go on sale from Wednesday, 27 August at 08:30 SAST. The organisers will limit quantities, and fans are expected to buy tickets rapidly due to last year's success Festival director DJ urges fans to pre-register and secure their spots early. Ticket prices start at approximately R 400, offering South Africans an accessible entry into this international event. The Milk + Cookies festival has quickly established itself as one of Africa's most impactful cultural events. Its blend of music, food, art, and community resonates deeply with South African cities. 'We are proud to continue showcasing local talent alongside global icons,' DJ added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
'Supernatural' star Misha Collins to attend Comic Con South Africa
Fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and activism will be thrilled as Misha Collins, beloved actor and humanitarian, is set to attend Comic Con South Africa this year. The actor is best known for his iconic role as the angel Castiel in Supernatural , the longest-running US sci-fi TV show. Collins will bring a rich blend of acting, activism, and creativity to the event, according to Comic Con. Misha Collins' impressive career also extends beyond the actor recently portrayed Batman villain Harvey Dent, also known as Two-Face, in the CW's Gotham Knights . South African fans might also recognise him from popular series like 24 , ER , and Charmed . In 2022, he hosted the Emmy-nominated PBS series Roadfood , highlighting his versatility. However, it is Misha Collins' activism that truly sets him apart. As the founder of Random Acts, a nonprofit inspiring global kindness, he has mobilised thousands worldwide. His charity showcase, GISH, broke Guinness World Records as the largest international scavenger hunt. It raised millions for causes close to his heart. Collins brings more than acting and charity to Comic Con South Africa. He is a New York Times bestselling author of Some Things I Still Can't Tell You , a poignant poetry collection. His podcast Bridgewater topped Apple's fiction charts for two years running. Misha Collins also founded The Art Department, acclaimed for transforming public spaces with innovative art projects. A reminder of his passion for creativity and community engagement. Comic Con South Africa offers a unique opportunity to meet a bright star who uses his voice for positive change. Misha Collins' presence promises to energise attendees and champion the power of creativity for social impact. Tickets are selling fast. Fans eager to meet Misha Collins should act quickly to join this memorable celebration of fandom and philanthropy. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.