Latest news with #Lebo
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
How Lebo M's former ballroom dance mate became the author of his ‘Nants'Ingonyama' autobiography
Lebo M's book is titled Nanst'Ingonyama, a phrase that the world first heard at the beginning of the Lion King movie. 'I don't know how many biographers I've fired all over the world to finally have a biography that is coming out,' shared renowned music producer Lebo M about the launch of his book. Titled Nanst'Ingonyama, the iconic phrase that the world first heard at the beginning of The Lion King movie, the book is written by South African-born author and playwright Soentjie Xavier. ALSO READ: Lebo M says there's nothing to celebrate about what government has done for the creative industry in 30 years of democracy Ballroom dance mates Lebo M and Xavier met as youngsters at the Tladi Youth Club ballroom dance in Soweto, around the ages of seven and eight. The two reconnected a few years ago when Lebo was performing in Portugal, where Xavier is based. 'She sent me this thing and I read it. For some reason, I had this natural instinct that God or the universe has presented the ultimate person to tell, not my story, but the journey of Lebo M, who starts as Lebohang Morake, who comes from Soweto,' said Lebo. A copy of Lebo M's book, Nanst'Ingonyam. Picture: Supplied The Grammy award-winning artist was speaking at the launch of the Dreamer and the Dream exhibition, a walk-through of Lebo M's 60 years, captured in images. Lebo said there was a book that Disney had backed, which was complete, but didn't hit the right notes with him. 'Disney was issuing a book about Lebo M, and I read it and I shut it down. It was 'this kid comes from South Africa, lives in LA and becomes a star', you know.' Xavier read an excerpt from the book on the night. The release date of the book is yet to be announced. ALSO READ: Lebo M celebrated ahead of first concert in SA on Good Friday Making it to the Hollywood Bowl Lebo M said his dream came true last year when he celebrated three decades of The Lion King by performing at the Hollywood Bowl. 'I grew up in Los Angeles and I used to drive a taxi in Los Angles. I would park my cab while big shows are happening. I'd just sit there and dream and imagine one day that I'm gonna be inside the Bowl, imagine, one day, I'm gonna play the Hollywood Bowl. That happened to me last year for the first time,' shared Lebo. Most of the images in the Dreamer and the Dream exhibition were taken by Lebo M's official photographer, Blaq Smith. 'We've seen the world. We've been everywhere and back, and it's been a fruitful journey — I'd like to believe,' said the photographer. Wall to wall: Images of Lebo with Dr John Kani and another image with US film producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Pictures: Supplied. The images feature Lebo M alongside some of the world's biggest names. The photos range from Prince William to one with singer and actor Jennifer Hudson. 'All these images were handpicked, and these were the most remarkable moments that I managed to capture of Unc. My favourite is actually that one,' said Smith, pointing at the shot of Lebo M with Kim Kardashian and her daughter, North West. Brotherhood: Blaq Smith and Lebo M. Picture: Supplied. Sharing a story about Blaq Smith's favourite photo, Lebo M said he was impressed by Smith's fearlessness. 'Just before my change of clothes, Smith comes and says, 'Unc, you gotta stay', he instructs me. He said, 'Kim, come this way', and I turn around and it's Kim… We've interacted before [with Kim], but I just loved his confidence. I loved how he said we're taking this picture now,' shared Lebo. 'Being talented and having the eye to really capture moments is quite special,' Lebo M said of the South African photographer. NOW READ: Sbongiseni Shezi: 'These are answered prayers but they don't look the way that I anticipated'
The Star
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Ster-Kinekor and Rampedi Media Network collaborate for a new entertainment experience
Masabata Mkwananzi | Updated 4 hours ago Experience the future of entertainment as Ster-Kinekor teams up with The Rampedi Media Network to transform cinemas into a vibrant stage for live podcasts. Blockbusters out, bold moves in, Ster-Kinekor and The Rampedi Media Network are flipping the script, turning the cinema into a stage for live podcasts and digital magic. This collaboration between cinema giant Ster-Kinekor and the Rampedi Media Network blends digital content creation with live entertainment like never before. Fans will experience a unique big-screen version of 'Seated with Lebo and Thato,' alongside live recordings of popular podcasts, including Thought Digest and AsMajita. It's a one-night-only event that fuses storytelling, real-time interaction, and immersive audio-visuals, bringing some of South Africa's boldest voices straight to the heart of a premier cinema. Speaking to The Star, Thato Rampedi, founder of The Rampedi Media Network, shared that the idea for the live podcast collaboration with Ster-Kinekor had been in the works for several months. He explained that when the Africa Podcast Network proposed partnering with Ster-Kinekor, they recognised it as an unmissable opportunity. 'We were excited about the chance to do something revolutionary, new, and innovative that would allow our audience to connect with us in a unique way,' he said. He added that hosting the event in a cinema was a suggestion they gladly embraced. 'The cinema space will provide an immersive experience for our audience, enhancing how they consume our content. With everything projected onto the screen, it will be an experience of a lifetime.' Rampedi emphasised that this event signals a bold new era for South African digital content, rooted in real people and real stories. 'Creators must push boundaries and bring content to life through live, immersive experiences that truly engage audiences.' Lynne Wylie, Ster-Kinekor's chief marketing officer, echoed this enthusiasm, explaining that repurposing cinema spaces for more than just films is a growing priority. 'Looking at ways to repurpose our cinema space for events other than showing top-rated films is very much on our radar. For this reason, we are very excited about this upcoming collaboration opportunity with House of Rampedi to host an interactive podcast recording with a live audience at one of our premier cinema complexes.' She noted the high demand for tickets and expressed enthusiasm for upcoming events: 'Tickets are already selling fast, and given the positive response, we're eager to host more similar experiences in the near future.' Ster-Kinekor's The Zone in Rosebank will set the stage for a groundbreaking night this Thursday at 18:00, as Rampedi Media Network brings digital storytelling to life in a live podcast experience like no other. The Star [email protected]
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Cinema meets conversation as House of Rampedi goes live at The Zone @ Rosebank
Cinema meets conversation as House of Rampedi goes live at The Zone @ Rosebank The lights dimmed and the cameras rolled, but not for your usual blockbuster. On July 17, Ster-Kinekor at The Zone @ Rosebank will swap the silver screen for a spotlight as it plays host to an electrifying live podcast event, in collaboration with The Rampedi Media Network. Read more: Cinemas fight back: Nu Metro and Bounce team up to reinvent family entertainment At the heart of this collaboration is digital content creator and storyteller Thato Rampedi, whose media network is leading the charge in turning everyday conversations into cultural moments. Alongside his brother, Lebo, their popular podcast: Seated with Lebo and Thato, has built a loyal following for its honest take on identity, relationships, and growth. 'We're excited to bring digital storytelling to life in a completely new way,' said Rampedi. 'It's more than just a show; it's about connecting with people, in person, through stories that matter.' The evening promises an all-star lineup from the House of Rampedi, including Thought Digest, hosted by Mammi_Dearest and Caiah, and the much-loved AsMajita Collective featuring Gontse, Percy ASF, and the Rampedi brothers themselves. Audiences can expect raw conversations, lively audience engagement, and a few surprise announcements. Ster-Kinekor's chief marketing officer Lynne Wylie said the cinema giant is eager to explore new ways to use its spaces. 'This is an exciting new chapter for us. Bringing podcasts into a live cinema setting creates a whole new kind of entertainment experience.' As digital creators increasingly blur the line between screen and stage, this one-night event offers fans the rare chance to step into the world they usually only hear, and with tickets flying fast, it's clear that South Africans are more than ready to tune in… Live and in person. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Gospel star Lebo Sekgobela makes acting debut in upcoming Mzansi Bioskop film 'Ingozi'
Gospel star Lebo Sekgobela is set to make her acting debut in the upcoming Mzansi Bioskop drama Ingozi, premiering on July 20 at 7.30pm. Best known for her powerful vocals and the chart-topping worship anthem Lion of Judah, Lebo takes on the role of Zanele in the emotionally charged film. Ingozi follows the story of Sandile, a gifted young man with dreams of making it big as a kwaito musician, but his path to success is anything but smooth. Caught between chasing his passion and escaping the dangerous criminal world his uncle has pulled him into, Sandile faces the ultimate test of character. Set against the gritty and vibrant backdrop of South Africa's music scene, Ingozi is a tale of ambition, resilience and the fight to rise above one's circumstances. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Lebo opened up about her first acting experience. 'Being part of the Ingozi cast was a dream come true. They taught me so much and I got to work with an amazing and talented cast and crew,' she said. 'Wow, the set was incredible and they treated me well. I had to put on a different hat, acting is such a beautiful form of art, especially when you work with professionals. I relate so much to my character, Zanele. She's amazing and also musical.' The gospel singer expressed gratitude for the opportunity and hinted at more to come. 'God has my future covered. I believe greater opportunities are coming — the sky is the limit.'
SowetanLIVE
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- SowetanLIVE
Clive Mathibe and Lebohang Toko prove that you can't hurry love
Film director Clive Mathibe and musical-theatre multi-hyphenate Lebohang Toko seal their 17-year love story with an epic celebration. The meeting Lebo: I thought he was an arrogant little somebody on campus, the senior who is so full of himself. Our love story took shape four years later in Grahamstown in James Ngcobo's Touch My Blood play. On the first night, we saw each other and I was like, 'Not this guy again.' Clive: We went to Tshwane University of Technology and I was ahead of Lebo by three years. I was doing my drama degree and Lebo was at the musical-theatre department. When we saw each other after four years, I was like, 'Oh my god, this guy is so hot.' He wore a black velvet tracksuit. I told the friend who was with me that I was in love and was going for him. The dating life Clive: I drove back to Joburg with two of my friends, one of whom was the actress in the play I was directing in Grahamstown. I remember thinking I needed to see him again, and called him. Lebo: He asked me out to dinner and we never stopped seeing each other. Dating was fun; he would pick me up after my show and we would sing along to Beyoncé, go out, eat, party — and neither of us was broke because we were both working in the industry. The lightbulb moment Clive: We were back together after a seven-month breakup and had finished eating dinner at Lebo's place. As we were washing the dishes, we got into a real conversation. I told him that I wanted this and wanted us to go to the next level and build a life together.
