Latest news with #Limpopo-born
IOL News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Striking a chord: Senior Oat's candid call exposes the hidden financial woes of musicians
South African musical artist Senior Oat recently opened up about just how challenging life in the music industry can be. Yet behind the melodies and moments that touch our hearts, the reality for many artists is far more sobering. Creating music is often described as a labour of love - a calling that goes beyond fame or fortune. For countless musicians, navigating the financial landscape of the industry is an uphill battle marked by unpredictable income, soaring production costs and a constant pursuit of the next opportunity. Unlike mainstream stars who benefit from big-label backing, expansive marketing budgets and sponsorship deals, many artists, particularly independent ones, shoulder the burden of funding their own careers. From studio time to equipment upgrades, marketing campaigns to travel costs, the expenses quickly add up. It's a tough balancing act that can make sustaining a livelihood incredibly challenging. It's no wonder, then, that stories of artists grappling with financial hardship are so common. For every household name, there are thousands of equally gifted musicians fighting to make ends meet. Their struggles are never a reflection of their talent or passion, but rather of an industry that often undervalues creative work and relies heavily on live performances to generate income. This week, South African musical artist Senior Oat laid bare just how tough things can get. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the Limpopo-born producer opened up about his current financial difficulties, moving many of his followers and fellow musicians to empathy and concern. 'My heart has been heavy lately. I'm going through a tough time financially,' he wrote. Oat explained how the scarcity of bookings and opportunities had left him struggling to keep up with his bills. 'I'm behind on bills, and it's really bad,' he admitted, offering a raw glimpse into the personal toll of financial instability. But rather than asking for donations or pity, Oat made it clear that what he truly wants is meaningful work. 'I'm not asking for donations. I'm not looking for handouts,' he emphasised, underlining his desire to earn his way through his skills and hard work. 'What I need is work. Bookings.' His post was not only a candid confession but also a call to action, directed at event organisers, venues, and promoters who might benefit from the unique energy he brings through his music. 'If there's any way I can add value to your show through my music, please reach out,' he urged.
The South African
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates snatch COSAFA star in stunning transfer coup
Orlando Pirates have officially snapped up rising star Kamogelo Sebelebele from TS Galaxy, bolstering their ranks ahead of a demanding 2025/2026 campaign. Sebelebele made headlines with a breakout season at TS Galaxy, notching five goals in 29 appearances and proving himself one of the league's most consistent performers. His dazzling form earned him a call-up to Bafana Bafana's COSAFA Cup squad, where he didn't disappoint, claiming a Man of the Match award, helping South Africa to a runners-up finish, and earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament. Although the Buccaneers are currently deep into their preseason tour in Marbella, Spain, Sebelebele will not immediately join the main squad abroad. 'Sebelebele will join the group of players who remained in Johannesburg while the selected first team group embarked on their preseason tour in Spain,' the club announced on Monday. This approach allows the 23-year-old Limpopo-born winger to integrate locally while Pirates fine-tune their systems overseas. Despite being a natural winger, Sebelebele showed impressive tactical flexibility at TS Galaxy last season. The club praised his ability to perform at right back and left back, making him a versatile asset for new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. 'While naturally a winger, the Limpopo-born star demonstrated his tactical adaptability last season by also excelling at both right back and left back, highlighting his versatility and dynamism he brings to Abdeslam Ouaddou's squad.' Sebelebele becomes Pirates' 10th new signing of the window, joining an exciting group that includes. Sipho Mbule Yanela Mbuthuma Tshepang Moremi Nkosikhona Ndaba Sinoxolo Kwayiba Tshepo Mashiloane Sihle Nduli Masindi Nemtajela Oswin Appollis The Bucs have acted quickly and decisively to add depth and quality to their squad. With Sebelebele's arrival further strengthening their attacking options. Is the new Orlando Pirates star Nkota's replacement? 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.
Eyewitness News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
Wimbledon: Kgothatso Montjane makes winning start to her singles campaign
JOHANNESBURG – Wheelchair tennis ace Kgothatso Montjane makes a winning start to her singles campaign at Wimbledon. The reigning Wimbledon doubles champion defeated British player Cornelia Oosthuizen 7-6(2), 6-2 in the first round on Tuesday. The Limpopo-born star's next opponent is 18-year-old French world No. 11 Ksenia Chasteau, who caused a major upset by dismantling second seed Aniek van Koot. READ MORE: Kgothatso Montjane and Donald Ramphadi make it to Roland Garros doubles finals Wheelchair tennis ace Kgothatso Montjane makes it to the Roland Garros semi-finals Roland Garros: Kgothatso Montjane grabs doubles Grand Slam Last month, Montjane, alongside her Japanese partner Yui Kamiji, won the French Open title on the clay of Roland Garros. Montjane was the first African wheelchair tennis player to compete at Wimbledon when she was handed a wild card for the Wimbledon Grand Slam tournament in London in 2018. In 2012, she made Wimbledon history by being the first black South African woman to reach the final at Wimbledon while reaching the doubles final as well. Montjane competed at her first Paralympics in Beijing (2008), then in London and Rio de Janeiro. In 2018, she became the first African wheelchair tennis player to compete in the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in the same calendar year.
Eyewitness News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
SA's Donald Ramphadi wins silver in quad wheelchair doubles at Wimbledon
JOHANNESBURG – Donald Ramphadi brought home a silver medal from Wimbledon. The Limpopo-born athlete made his first Wimbledon final in quad wheelchair doubles alongside British partner Gregory Slade. They went down to 6-0, 6-2 to Niels Vink (Netherlands) and Guy Sasson (Israel). To make the finale, Ramphadi and his partner took down second seeds Ahmet Kaplan (Turkey) and Sam Schroder (Netherlands) 7-6(5), 1-6, 7-5 in the semis. At the 2025 French Open Men's Quad Doubles final Ahmet Kaplan and Donald Ramphadi claimed silver. READ: South Africa's stars shine at Wimbledon: Ramphadi eyes quad doubles glory, Montjane makes semis In 2023, Ramphadi rewrote history as he became the first South African since 1981 to win a Roland Garros title. Ramphadi, who is South Africa's leading wheelchair tennis quad player won the wheelchair quad singles title at the Belgian Open - ITF 1 series - tennis tournament in Belgium in 2022 - the year he made his Wimbledon debut.
The South African
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
BREAKING: Orlando Pirates announces their 10th signing
Orlando Pirates have announced Kamogelo Sebelebele as their 10th signing of the new season. The 22-year-old winger joins the Buccaneers from TS Galaxy just a day after Mohau Nkota left the club. Sebelebele featured 29 times for the Rockets last season, scoring five gooals. 'Orlando Pirates Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Kamogelo Sebelebele. The 22-year-old winger joins the Buccaneers on the back of an impressive breakout campaign with TS Galaxy, where he featured in 29 matches and found the back of the net five times – a return that highlighted his attacking prowess and consistency throughout the season,' the club said in a statement. 'Sebelebele will join the group of players who remained in Johannesburg while the selected first team group embarked on their preseason tour in Spain. The Soweto Giants are currently in Marbella, where they have two remaining fixtures against Spanish outfits Las Palmas and Granada before returning home on July 20. While naturally a winger, the Limpopo-born star demonstrated his tactical adaptability last season by also excelling at both right back and left back – highlighting his versatility and dynamism he bings to Abdeslam Ouaddou's squad.' Here are the rest of the new signings: Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, Masindi Nemtajela, and Oswin Appollis. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
