Latest news with #IdolsSouthAfrica
The South African
5 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Gareth Cliff mocks Fikile's intelligence in shady post
Gareth Cliff has continued his longstanding social media feud with Fikile Mbalula with another shady post. The former shock jock and the politician have often butt heads over their views on trending South African topics. On his X account, Gareth Cliff joined many South Africans who reacted to Floyd Shivambu's resignation from the MK Party. The Secretary-General was forced to leave his post after he bragged about visiting fugitive Shepherd Bushiri at his home in Malawi. Fikile Mbalula – who also has a much-publicised feud with Floyd – threw shade at his political nemesis. Fikile tweeted: 'Zuma uSleg, they made Floyd draft the constitution to only use the same constitution to remove him'. Floyd clapped back: 'Like he decisively used the Constitution to take the 'mighty' ANC to 40% and left you begging for cooperation with the white minority.' He added: 'I respect and will forever respect President Zuma'. Weighing into the fiery face-off, Gareth Cliff responded: 'Floyd is smarter than Fikile.' He cheekily posted a proverb referring to Fikile: 'In the land of the blind, the one-eyed is king.' Over the years, Fikile Mbalula and Gareth Cliff have often taken shots at each other on the X platform [formerly Twitter]. In 2014, Fikile gave the Cliff Central founder a tongue-lashing after he questioned why the late Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was given a state funeral. Fikile clapped back: 'Who paid for Verwoerd's funeral? And who paid for PW Botha's funeral? It is the state, did they deserve it?… We never asked because we respect the dead. In 2016, the then Minister of Sport threw shade at Gareth Cliff's axing from talent show, Idols South Africa , after the latter seemingly defended convicted racist Penny Sparrow. 'M-Net should tell him to jump over his surname', he posted and deleted. Last year, Gareth Cliff shamed Fikile for driving a multi-million rand G-Wagon during the ANC's election drive in underprivileged areas. Reposting a clip of the ANC Secretary-General, the Gareth tweeted: 'This is like when John Kerry flies in a private jet and criticizes rich people for their carbon footprint; or when every other hypocrite tells you to do as they say, not as they do. 'Fikile loves a G-Wagon and couldn't say no, even though this one was lent to him by a crook. He added: 'These venal, grasping parvenus are always caught trying to become the crass rich people they hate, but we're expected to pretend it's not obvious. 'Tsek'. 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.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Thapelo Esau's debut EP 'Ms Esau': a promising start to her musical journey
Thapelo Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight. Image: Supplied For Thapelo Esau, music transcends mere hobbies - it's the essence of who she is. Born and raised in Vosloorus, a vibrant township nestled in the East Rand of Johannesburg, Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight. It was there, surrounded by soulful harmonies and spiritual melodies, that she unearthed a gift that would become a driving force in her life. Her sound resonates with the emotional depth of gospel, the soulful richness of R&B, and the rhythmic pulse of house music - genres that were an integral part of her upbringing. This unique blend allows her music to offer both a sense of familiarity and an exciting freshness that appeals to a broad audience. Describing herself as a true 'singer-singer', Esau delivers powerhouse vocals imbued with emotional intensity. She is dedicated to remaining authentic to her voice and message, crafting songs that echo her heart, spirit, and purpose. Over the years, Thapelo Esau has achieved several milestones, making her mark in the music industry by winning school talent shows and notably gracing the "Idols South Africa" stage. Image: Supplied Over the years, she has achieved several milestones, making her mark in the music industry by winning school talent shows and notably gracing the Idols South Africa stage. After first auditioning in 2016, she returned for a second try in 2017, earning a coveted spot in the Top 10 and winning the hearts of many with her extraordinary talent and resilient spirit. In 2024, she reached another career milestone by signing her first record deal with David Gresham Music. The subsequent release of her debut single, 'Vuma', felt like a powerful moment of realisation, a testament to her dedication and hard work. On Friday, she unveiled her eagerly awaited debut EP titled 'Ms Esau'. This collection is a deeply personal body of work, infused with themes of love, encouragement, and uplifting energy. Each track invites listeners to explore Esau as not just an artist but as a woman fearlessly stepping into her power. The stories woven through the EP highlight her truth, vulnerability, and joyful self-expression, paving the way for her forthcoming debut album set to launch later this year. One highlight of the EP is the stirring song 'Nhliziyo', an anthem for weary souls that wraps listeners in a warm embrace of hope and resilience, a touching reminder that after every storm, healing and light await. Another joyous offering is 'Vuma', featuring Loki, which celebrates the beauty of commitment and the triumph of love over adversity. It's a reassuring reminder that no matter the challenges life presents, love conquers all. The EP also features the tender track 'Thando', which opens with a soothing trumpet, painting a picture of a heartfelt pursuit for that special someone. The lyrics echo a longing and commitment, exuding an undeniable warmth. Meanwhile, the final track, 'Ngiyakfhuna', featuring Kings of Kontent, further celebrates love by appreciating a unique connection, asserting that true affection sees no boundaries. Listeners will undoubtedly find this EP to be a celebration of love in its various forms, making it one worth enjoying. Thapelo Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight. Image: Supplied In an interview with 'Independent Media Lifestyle', she shared her inspirations and aspirations. 'I'm just a girl from Bozi, East Rand, where the talent resides! My love for music started right at home,' she reminisced, recalling how Sundays were filled with romantic tunes from Metro FM, igniting her passion. With a mother and grandmother renowned for their singing, it was only natural for her to follow suit. Esau continued to explore her artistry, stating, 'I'm a big R&B lover. If I could describe myself musically, I'd say I'm an R&B artist. However, I've decided to play around with different sounds and genres, which has been a lot of fun.' Grateful for her artistic journey, she has collaborated with talented producers and musicians to shape her EP's vibrant soundscape, including John Lundun, Ziggy, Raven Cable, Oriah Reloaded, and Zephbeats, along with features from Loki and Kings of Kontent. 'I've enjoyed working on it,' she admitted, highlighting the teamwork behind her sound's evolution. The choice to title her first body of work 'Ms Esau' carries personal significance. 'I've always been told I have a pretty cool surname,' she said. 'We thought, why not call it Esau and make it a bit more feminine?' Above all, Esau hopes her music resonates on a healing level, noting, 'Honestly, the biggest thing for me is for my music to heal. It just makes you feel heard, seen, good. That's all I want.' She aspires to reach broader audiences and solidify herself as an influential musician, perhaps even setting her sights on global recognition. 'That's the goal!' Lutho Pasiya picks on other new love songs to listen to: "Russian Roulette" by Lady Zamar: This intimate track examines the complexities of a friendship on the verge of romance, capturing the emotional risks involved in love through the clever metaphor of a game. It features an engaging rhythm while exploring themes of uncertainty and longing. "Mnakwethu" by Lwah Ndlunkulu: produced by Xowla, this poignant ode delves into modern relationship complexities. With soulful vocal delivery, the song illuminates the emotional turbulence of suspected infidelity, making it a relatable experience for many listeners.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Inside Yanga Sobetwa's magical wedding: 'Idols South Africa' winner shares beautiful moments on Instagram
Congratulations have been in order since the year began for many South African celebrities, and the latest to tie the knot is singer-songwriter Yanga Sobetwa. The singer wowed her fans with her wedding pictures on Instagram. The winner of season 14 of "Idols South Africa" recently treated her fans with a glimpse into her special day, sharing pictures of her matrimony on Instagram. The 24-year-old gospel and pop singer tied the knot on April 26 at the Matiki Wedding venue in Krugersdorp, a day after her birthday. In a collaboration post with husband Ntsako Khoza, the two pictures shared showcased the couple beaming and radiating happiness as they basked in the joy of their new union. The second picture is a portrayal of the couple's first kiss as newlyweds.
