Latest news with #LawrenceMaleka


News24
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘If it doesn't feel authentic, I don't do it,' Lawrence Maleka on his career journey
We caught up with actor Lawrence Maleka. His role in The River won the hearts of many South Africans. He has since hosted shows like Big Brother and many high profile events. He is now set to host Friends of Amstel: The Challenge. ____________________________________________________ He captivated fans in The River, then light up Netflix in Lobola Man, a refreshing and humorous take that reimages the traditions of lobola in a modern world. Now, as Friends of Amstel returns for its highly anticipated second season, we catch up with Lawrence Maleka to dive into everything he's been up to since we last spoke, from career highlights to creative evolution. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lawrence Maleka (@sirlawrencemaleka) Stepping into the world of Friends of Amstel: The Challenge 'I think the biggest thing about is that it's more about community than anything else. Everything else is just an excuse for everyone to hang out with one another. Once you start watching the show and get engulfed in it, you're there for the personalities,' he shares excitedly. Lawrence returns to host the second season of Friends of Amstel: The Challenge, premiering 14 June 2025, on eTV. The show features prominent South African music stars like DJ Tira, Makhadzi and Nasty C, alongside DJs LKG and Lamiez Holworthy. This South African reality competition where musicians and fans battle with their friends in music and friendship challenges. It's an opportunity for viewers to get to see a different side of the celebrities they look up to. 'I think Friends of Amstel brings South Africans into a world where everybody is having fun and we're just competing against each other. This format of the show is definitely one that South Africans resonate with, seeing that it's back by popular demand.' Lawrence notes that it will be an energetic celebration of South African music culture, friendship bonds and entertainment with unpredictable twists and exciting personalities. Reflections on previous projects The actor is no stranger to delivering powerful performances, and his portrayal of Ace Ngubeni in Lobola Man stands out as one of the highlights of his career. 'As people, as Africans, as South Africans, we have a rich culture and history that sets us apart from the rest of the world. This is one of those customs and traditions that we engage in – the bringing of two families together, breaking bread, and celebration of ancestry,' he shares. When he was first called for the show, he thought he could do it and it was a no brainer for him. READ MORE | Colleagues bid Lawrence Maleka farewell as he closes his chapter on The River - 'Thank you for giving us Zolani' With the director Tamang Mulea and Kat Reti from Burnt Onion Productions, their reunion as people who worked together when they were much younger was something he enjoyed. The actor says he has been blessed to work with industry peers and people he considers friends. Even as he only agrees to scripts he feels a particular connection to, he's had moments where he was able to feed off other actors in the their acting spaces. A message he sends to the younger version of himself 'Well done. It's going to be a very rough road. It's going to be a very challenging road. You've done well in picking the individuals you want around you. You've done well in making the hard choices early. And everything you're going through right now is temporary.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lawrence Maleka (@sirlawrencemaleka)


The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Lawrence Maleka rubs shoulders with Tom Cruise and Avneet Kaur
Lawrence is also set to return as the host of 'Friends of Amstel' Season 2. South African media personality Lawrence Maleka recently shared photos of himself rubbing shoulders with American actor and film producer Tom Cruise, as well as Indian actress Avneet Kaur. Maleka met the Hollywood superstar and lead actor of the Mission: Impossible franchise at the London premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. He also snapped a red carpet photo with Almost Single star Kaur, who was also in attendance. SA TV star Lawrence Maleka with Indian actress Avneet Kaur. Picture: Instagram/@sirlawrencemaleka 'Had to be there for Ethan Hunt's final mission,' Maleka wrote, captioning the pictures on Instagram. The eighth instalment of Mission: Impossible franchise is set to premiere on 23 May in cinemas in the United States. Parts of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning were filmed in Limpopo, Hoedspruit, back in 2022. Cruise has been sharing behind-the-scenes footage of his stunts on social media, including a freefall jump from a helicopter at 3 000 metres (10 000 feet). In one of the clips, he is seen jumping out of a helicopter high above a mountain range with a camera strapped to his torso. ALSO READ: Tom Cruise has world guessing as he unleashes 'Mission: Impossible' at Cannes Lawrence Maleka returns to host 'Friends of Amstel' Season 2 Meanwhile, Maleka is set to return as the host of Friends of Amstel Season 2. The award-winning TV host said he is thrilled to be back for the new season. 'We've gone bigger on everything this season: the games, the guests, the surprises. It's fun, it's chaotic, and it's got some real magic. I can't wait for viewers to see what's in store,' Maleka said in a press statement. Season 2 promises even more energy and a fire line-up that includes celebrities like Nasty C, Mr JazziQ, DJ Tira, Makhadzi, Mawhoo, and Khuli Chana – just to name a few. NOW READ: 'I've outlived my mother': Bongani Fassie reflects on Brenda Fassie's life ahead of doccie launch

IOL News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lawrence Maleka rubs shoulders with Tom Cruise in London
Lawrence Maleka hangs out with Tom Cruise at 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' premiere in London Season two of 'Friends Of Amstel: The Challenge' premieres June 14 On Etv with Lawrence Maleka returning as host. Maleka has been making moves back home as well, he has been announced as returning as the host of season two of 'Friends of Amstel: The Challenge'. This season brings even more energy and fire with a lineup of fresh new games, unexpected twists, and must-see personalities. 'It's such a thrill to return as host for Season two. This show has an energy like no other, it's bold, unpredictable, and full of heart,' said Maleka. We've gone bigger on everything this season: the games, the guests, the surprises. It's fun, it's chaotic, and it's got some real magic. I can't wait for viewers to see what's in store'. Some of the country's biggest music stars, including DJ Tira, Makhadzi, Khuli Chana, Nasty C, Mawhoo, and Mr JazziQ to name a few, will be on the season. The show celebrates music while putting friendship to the ultimate test for bragging rights and a five-star Friends of Amstel travel experience! Each week, four friends go head-to-head with a celebrity and their crew in an electrifying clash of wits, bonds, and beats.