logo
Skeem Saam icon Lesego Marakalla is back with intrigue, drama and an estranged husband

Skeem Saam icon Lesego Marakalla is back with intrigue, drama and an estranged husband

News2414-05-2025

Skeem Saam viewer favourite Rachel Kunutu (Lesego Marakalla) returns to the much-loved SABC 1 drama next month.
Hot on her heels with his on-screen return is her estranged husband, Marothi Maphuthuma (Macks Senatla Saga Papo).
Actor and presenter Tshepo 'Howza' Mosese joined the weeknight drama as a shady new character, Ghost, linked to Kunutu's disappearance from Turfloop.
Years of begging and pleading with the production team behind SABC 1's much-loved Skeem Saam have finally paid off for avid viewers. This after the public broadcaster announced the long-awaited return of viewer favourite and original slay queen, Rachel Kunutu, portrayed by Lesego Marakalla.
Marakalla's troublesome character made an open-ended exit from the weeknight drama in 2020 after nearly a decade on-screen. At the time, the actor's departure was attributed to her returning to school full-time.
Farewell 'Dynamite' We will miss you! ❤️ #SkeemSaam
Posted by Skeem Saam on Friday, June 19, 2020
In 2020, the award-nominated actor briefly returned to screens in Generations: The Legacy.
'It feels good to be back. It is not only about me, but it is also about my supporters who appreciate my craft,' Marakalla said about her return. 'They have been asking me when I will be returning to Skeem Saam, and I'm happy to say that they will see me back on-screen playing Rachel very soon.'
According to the SABC, the true pioneer of the soft life movement will abruptly return to the streets of Turfloop on Tuesday, 10 June.
Upon her return, viewers would quickly discover Kunutu might have been mixing with the wrong company, pressuring her to associate with the likes of Lord of the Flies (Archie Nhlapo) and Ghost - a shady new character portrayed by actor and presenter Tshepo 'Howza' Mosese.
Marakalla is not the only familiar face returning to the much-loved show. Her estranged businessman husband, Marothi Maphuthuma, portrayed by Macks Papo, who has changed his name to Macks Senatla Saga Papo for cultural and traditional reasons, also makes a comeback next month.
'I am very excited to be back, and I look forward to telling more compelling stories,' Papo said.
Expected to debut on Friday, 13 June, uncertainty looms around whether a reconciliation between the couple is on the cards or if revenge was the endgame for his Dynamite, as he fondly referred to Kunutu, after she stole a substantial amount of his wealth and framed him for her death before her disappearance.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Terry Pheto leads tributes to Tsotsi star Presley Chweneyagae: ‘He was part of my beginning'
Terry Pheto leads tributes to Tsotsi star Presley Chweneyagae: ‘He was part of my beginning'

News24

time15 hours ago

  • News24

Terry Pheto leads tributes to Tsotsi star Presley Chweneyagae: ‘He was part of my beginning'

Tears flowed freely among the hundreds gathered to honour the life of Oscar-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae, who recently passed away at the age of 40, at the State Theatre in Pretoria. According to a family spokesperson, the Tsotsi star died at his Pretoria home on 27 May following breathing difficulties. Speaking at the memorial service, actress Terry Pheto fought back tears as she remembered her former co-star from the film that launched both their careers. 'Presley was more than a colleague – he was part of my beginning and somehow the end of a beautiful full-circle moment in my career,' she said. 'We worked together on my very first film. We were just kids back then – young, hungry and full of dreams we couldn't even articulate. And yet, there he was, carrying the weight of that story.' Presley rose to international fame for his lead role in Tsotsi, which won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He later became a fixture in South African television, with celebrated performances in The River and Cobrizi. Thabiso Ramotshela, who played Presley's son on The River, broke down while speaking about their bond. 'I miss him so much,' Thabiso said. 'I feel like it's so unfair. It hurts so much because as much as he is not my father, he is my dad. That man raised me. He took care of me. When things got hard on set – Youngins or Blood Legacy – he would call me.' Presley is survived by his wife, Charlaine. 'Charlaine, don't worry. We had a chat, and you said to me, 'Zenzo, don't ever forget these kids.' And I said to you, 'Charlaine, don't worry. I am here,'' close friend and fellow actor Zenzo Ngqobe said to Presley's wife in his moving tribute. 'To Pres – we shall meet. There, we may rehearse most obscenely and courageously. Take pains. Be perfect. Adieu,' he added. Friend Vuyisile Tshabalala remembered Presley as both a national treasure and a brother. 'We lost a giant, an artistic genius. But the show must go on . . . you are a great man. To me, you were like a brother. Rest in peace.' As the memorial service drew to a close, a family representative read aloud a message from Charlaine. 'I would like to thank [Presley's mom] Mama Agnes Keagile for your undying support, my parents, Mr and Mrs Allen, for being there throughout. My brother-in-law Reobone, my sister-in-law, my sister Ndumiso for being my pillar of strength and my go-to girl during this difficult time. My entire Eswatini family, the list is endless, but I'm truly, truly grateful for the support you have shown me.' Presley was remembered not just as an actor but as a gentle giant, a father figure to many, and a creative force who helped shape South Africa's entertainment landscape. He will be laid to rest on 7 June in Pretoria.

Standing ovation, tears, joy: Kelvin Momo's Redbull Symphonic is a 10-out-of-10 production
Standing ovation, tears, joy: Kelvin Momo's Redbull Symphonic is a 10-out-of-10 production

News24

time19 hours ago

  • News24

Standing ovation, tears, joy: Kelvin Momo's Redbull Symphonic is a 10-out-of-10 production

Day one of the 2025 Redbull Symphonic, which happened on Friday, 6 June with Kelvin Momo at the centre of the action, went without a glitch. Momo has a setlist of 18 songs for the night – a number that might be considered small for his music catalogue, but the creme de la creme from his repertoire. Those in attendance witnessed that there's no love lost between Momo and Babalwa M. Curious to see what song would kick off the musical extravaganza, the anticipation was electrifying. Day one of the 2025 Redbull Symphonic, which happened on Friday, 06 June with Kelvin Momo at the centre of the action, went off without a glitch. The pitch was perfect, and the acoustics were stunning from the first note at Montecasino's Teatro. What song kicked off the night? The unexpected Four Corners of the World featuring Mzizi, with deep Sotho lyrics and an ethereal vibe. The single from Momo's Ntsako album set the scene. Right on cue, with a Moholobela (the traditional Basotho blanket) on his shoulder and a Mokorotlo (the traditional hat worn by the Basotho people of Lesotho and Southern Africa) as his crown, Mzizi walks on stage as the curtain lifts. Ushered by images of trees and the lights to match, he has a guitar and sets a musical treat of note into motion. The big screen with Redbull Symphonic lifts to reveal Kelvin and renowned conductor Adam Howard. Looking dapper, the two men are dressed in tailored black suits, Howard's jacket is adorned with wing-shaped glitter on the shoulders and back, while Momo accessorises his look with a 'Boys of Soweto' blanket he hangs on his arm. After a wave, a bow, and a hug, the two musical geniuses deliver on their promise to give fans an unforgettable night. Mzizi strums his guitar, and the Egoli orchestra begins to deliver magic through well-executed notes and harmonies. A choir of eight – four women and four men – join the DJ, conductor, and orchestra on stage. READ | WATCH | 'I'm grateful': Kelvin Momo announced as SA's 2025 Redbull Symphonic main act The crowd doesn't know it yet, but Momo has a setlist of 18 songs for the night – a number that might be considered small for his music catalogue, but the creme de la creme from his repertoire. Themba follows Four Corners of World from his Sewe album, which features the late Yallunder and Mkeyz. A close friend of Momo's, Yallunder, died earlier this year in March, which sees her vocals play in the background as Mkeyz joins Momo on stage. In his Thato Ya Modimo album, released just a few days before the Redbull Symphonic, he interludes with a song called Buya, which features and is a tribute to the late vocalist. The crowd is already warmed up when he switches gears to a re-imagined Umoya. Dressed in a body-hugging red dress, singer Mashudu sings her heart out, and the crowd joins her for the chorus of the hit song from Momo's Amukelani album. Crowd favourites Wa Nsiya from Momo's Kurhula album, and an orchestra-infused Soweto Groove follows. Like a kid witnessing Santa deliver everything he listed on his wish list, Momo is super happy watching his dream unfold. A jazzy vibe fills the room as Soweto Groove plays. Joining with his sax, Adam leaves conducting duties for a minute to join the fun. It's clear to the audience that he's having the time of his life on stage. Pictures of Momo's musical influences, including the late Hugh Masekela, flash in the background during the 'battle' of the strings. READ | WATCH | Kelvin Momo shares process behind how he names his album The crowd is singing along. There are no lyrics to Soweto Groove, but everyone seems to have chosen an instrument to embody. There's lah lah lah and imitation of saxophone sounds bouncing off the walls. Not a majaivane (good dancer) per se, Momo keeps to his signature salsa-inspired moves every time he steps away from the DJ desk. 2024's Emaphupeni starts, igniting questions about Babalwa's whereabouts as Makhanj – also dressed in a body-hugging red dress, steps onto the stage alone to belt out her parts of the hit song. Then Inyembezi, a song Momo looked forward to recreating, has him step away from the desk to sing the lyrics with his fans. Originally, the song had vocals from Babalwa M and Aymos, but on stage, Momo had the choir delivering the vocals instead. In an interview with News24, Momo told off the song's story and origins. At conception, the song had the words he needed someone to say to him because, thanks to the music industry, he was filled with doubt. This after his Private School album catapulted him into fame. Momo said when he created his Ivy League album, he needed to remind himself that 'he's not money, and he won't make everyone happy'. What he needed to do was stick to his guns, and he did. There's satisfaction in his face when he sings the song now. He's lived his song. The audience can tell. Then, totally unexpectedly, rapper Areece comes out as the stage 'resets.' Instead of the private school Amapiano everyone is here for, Areece raps: 'If Kelvin did it, I got the feeling I can do it too.' The flute shines at this time, and Kelvin, probably too shy to sing his own praises, does his version of Kabza De Small's Kabza Chant (in the song, Kabza totes his own horn, with the help of industry contributors who consider him the GOAT as well). It's a song that says, 'I am the guy I think I am'. The 'Uphi o Babalwa?' whispers continue as Momo, Howard, and the orchestra deliver beautiful versions of some of Momo's hits, Jazzzue, Uhambe Wrongo, and Vulani. Bo Gogo and Waze Wamuhle get the crowd on their feet. With the vibes in full effect – plus the alcohol in the audience's systems – the theatre turns into a mini club. Then there's a pause. Momo disappears behind the stage. When he comes out, a question that has been all night is finally answered. Where's Babalwa M? She walks out with Momo hand-in-hand on stage, dressed in a short, embezzled hot pink dress. Later in the show, Momo thanks his family, friends and mother-in-law, confirming that he's off the market. The pair, who were romantically linked and then alleged to have broken up, presented a united front on stage. Having contributed to most of Momo's hits, Babalwa gets her flowers as soon as she walks onto the stage, from Momo and the audience, evidenced by the screams. The Babalwa segment begins with Pholisa Intliziyo, with a brief appearance by Baby S.O.N. Then, one of Momo's biggest songs, Sukakude, which means we've come far from where we started, begins – re-imagined but equally mesmerising. READ | 'Music saved me': Kelvin Momo talks humble beginnings, pioneering private school amapiano Then, we are transported seamlessly into Amalobolo before Babalwa leaves the stage and the song that ends the night begins. Song Cry from Momo's Ivy League, featuring Mhaw Keys, is rightfully the last song because it changes the mood in the room. Momo sheds tears, seemingly in disbelief that he's living his dream at that moment. The Egoli orchestra, with Howard conducting, and the magical vocals from the choir transport the audience to a different place. The show is over when the song ends, and everyone lands back on planet Earth. 'Where did the time go?' says someone behind me. I relate. The show was too short. I am sure day two and three will be a treat. For those who failed to get the tickets, the full show will be screened as a 'delayed live' on Channel O in July, so eventually, everyone will get a front-row seat. Stay tuned to Red Bull and Channel O's social channels for details, and run to social media for the teasers.

SHE'S BACK! Actress Asavela Mqokiyana returns to our screens as Sizakele on Uzalo
SHE'S BACK! Actress Asavela Mqokiyana returns to our screens as Sizakele on Uzalo

News24

timea day ago

  • News24

SHE'S BACK! Actress Asavela Mqokiyana returns to our screens as Sizakele on Uzalo

We were first introduced to her on Isibaya where she played a character that quickly became a fan favourite. She later joined the cast of Abomama further cementing herself as a rare gem in the entertainment industry. She however took a break from acting after becoming a mother. Her personal life made tabloids dry when she was away from the limelight, but she is back in the entertainment industry. Actress Asavela Mqokiyana has taken a giant leap in her acting career, as she now stars in the country's top soapie, Uzalo. She is upbeat about being back to doing what she loves the most, telling Drum that she is excited about securing the Uzalo gig, which has changed her life. The dry spell in her career is finally over and she's ready to take over the industry again. 'I'm thrilled to join the team of South Africa's biggest show! Being part of this iconic production is a testament to my hard work. Although I was initially nervous about returning to screen, the production team's warmth and support have made the transition seamless. The crew is fantastic, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to shine. I'm looking forward to making a meaningful contribution and exceeding expectations,' she says. While some of her industry peers grapple with various challenges in the cutthroat industry, she has been fortunate not to encounter any major setbacks. 'I've been fortunate to navigate the industry smoothly by focusing on the craft and delivering quality work. By staying task-oriented, I've managed to sidestep potential challenges and enjoy a fulfilling career,' she explains. As an actress, playing different roles is something she enjoys and now playing Sizakele whom she describes has intelligent and soft. 'I'm loving playing Sizakele - her independence and intelligence really shine through. She's a liberated character with a softer side, and I'm excited for you to see her in action. Tune in to find out more about this fascinating character,' the 28-year-old mother of one says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Asavela Mqokiyana (@asavela__m) Although her marital woes grabbed headlines when she got divorced from her husband with whom she has one child, she remains tight-lipped about whether she would ever walk down the aisle again, indicating that she doesn't wish to delve into that matter. Read more | Babes Wodumo reflects on musical comeback and Mampintsha - 'I miss his jokes' She however maintains that she loves being an actress and the ability to bring various characters to life. 'As an actress, I love bringing characters to life. Seeing my work air on TV is a reminder of the impact we thespians have on audiences. It's a thrill to be part of storytelling that resonates with viewers,' AFDA graduate says.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store