Latest news with #Mafikeng
News24
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Thebe Lenyora celebrates 30 years of Kwaito with The Legend Tour: ‘It's a celebration of how far we've come'
Music has been his bread and butter since his early twenties. He gave us hits like Bula boot, Ungawa Kum, Groovers prayer, among many others. Now that the kwaito legend's career turns 30 years, he catches up with Drum on his journey and nationwide tour. If he were to write a love letter to Kwaito, this is how it would read. 'Kwaito, my love, my life. Thank you for giving me a life with purpose and allowing me to live my dreams, and most importantly, for helping me raise and maintain a family. If I had to choose a genre, I'd still choose you even today.' It all began at 16 years old when he was committed to mastering Michael Jackson's dance moves and breakdancing at school events. Within no time, he had risen to fame as a resident DJ. Together with a friend of his, they also managed the school's music room. This path steered him to a career that was going to unfold illustriously for 30 years. Now, kwaito legend, Thebe 'Lenyora' Mogane, tells Drum how his breakthrough came about. 'I shared a flat with Bruce Sebitlo in Mafikeng whilst I was doing my internship at Bop Recording Studios. He would make beats, and I would add club chants and play them at Bonanza Bar, Mmabatho Sun, where I was DJing. One day, I was DJing with Oskido, and he heard the songs and saw the response and decided we must release this. That was my first album, Tempy Life, as is from the demo.' Read more| Actor Buyile Mdladla opens up about typecasting struggles and lessons learned in showbiz From then on, Oskido became his biggest cheerleader. 'Oskido, he is a great spotter of talent and a great mentor, still is. He believed in me, and I vowed to make him proud.' After the release of his hit song, Ungawa Kum, Thebe got to travel the country with the song he claims has transcended the cultural, racial, and musical genre lines. Slowly but surely, the doors to his dreams opened. 'At the time of my debut, kwaito was in its infancy; it wasn't even called that, it was just local music. I wanted to see local music grow because, as a DJ, we were playing mostly overseas tracks. I figured we can do this as well and give it our flavour because people always had their vernacular lyrics to the house songs. My dreams came true and then some,' the legend shares. Reflecting on how far the local music industry has come, he raves about the waves Amapiano has made, especially internationally. 'I'm highly impressed with the state of music in the country. From the way the artists own the businesses and intellectual property to the way they have managed to export the music. Everywhere you go in South Africa, they play 100% local tracks across all genres. The only issue I have is individuality and creativity. Everyone tries to follow the trending sound and style instead of coming up with their signature sound and style.' Drawing from his 30 years' experience of being in the industry, he asserts that nothing is as important as consistency, passion and respect for the craft and most importantly, fans or supporters. Looking at how younger artists don't value supporters as much, he adds that those are the ultimate bosses of the game. 'Never take them for granted, they are your bread and butter, your bosses essentially. Collaboration and being open to new ideas and working with young artists helps with aligning with the shifting trends and staying relevant without compromising your style,' says the 52-year-old musician. To celebrate 30 years of his journey and Kwaito as a genre still loved by many, Thebe will be embarking on a tour across the country from September to December 2025, where he says he'll be honouring the genre that has made him who he is today. 'It's a great honour and pride to reach this milestone because everyone always said music is a short-lived career, but I was lucky to work with people who have lived off music all their lives. Oskido, Don Laka, Bruce Dope, Spikiri, and Mahoota have been doing it for 40+ years, Tshepo Tshola and Bra Hugh have done it for 60+ years, so I'm highly inspired.' 'The Legend Tour is a celebration of how far Kwaito has come. I will also be celebrating the milestone by taking people on a nostalgic musical journey. We will be touring all the provinces starting in Mpumalanga in September, going to Limpopo, Northwest etc. The penultimate event will be held at Carnival City on the 16th December,' he concludes.
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: International Relations (IR) Committee Chairperson Is Unavailable for Media Interviews on National Security Allegations
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, has since the media briefing given by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, received requests from the media to comment on his removal from the position of Premier of the North West Province. Mr Mahumapelo is unavailable for media interviews and for comment on the grounds that, among other things, he is a Member of Parliament. Parliament has established processes and procedures for the Portfolio Committee on Police, the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, and the Standing Committee on Intelligence relating to the national security allegations. Furthermore, Mr Mahumapelo has a case in the North West High Court in Mafikeng and is suing for defamation against the Revolutionary Council and three others. Mr Mahumapelo received threats that if he did not get out of the position he would be killed. Threats on his life are due to political interference and evidence will be presented before the constituted committees as and when required. As a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress, the NEC will first look into the matter and decide on its approach as a collective of the ANC. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Mail & Guardian
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Tsotsi star Presley Chweneyagae dies at 40
Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed actor who captured hearts worldwide with his powerful portrayal in Tsotsi. South Africa is mourning the death of Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed actor who captured hearts worldwide with his powerful portrayal in Tsotsi . He died on 27 May 2025, at the age of 40, exactly two decades after the film's release. A statement from his agency Moonyeenn Lee Associates read: 'It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa's most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae, at the age of 40.' Born on 19 October 1984, in Mafikeng, Chweneyagae's journey into acting began in his youth. Encouraged by his mother, he honed his craft at a drama school led by renowned playwright Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom. His breakthrough came in 2005 when he was cast as David, known as Tsotsi, in Gavin Hood's adaptation of Athol Fugard's novel. The film, set in Johannesburg's Alexandra township, tells the story of a hardened gang leader who undergoes a profound transformation after inadvertently kidnapping a baby. Chweneyagae's performance was lauded for its depth and authenticity. Tsotsi won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards, marking a significant achievement for South African cinema. In addition, Chweneyagae received the Black Movie Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. His portrayal resonated globally, earning him recognition at various international film festivals. Following his success in Tsotsi , Chweneyagae continued to build a diverse career in both film and television. He appeared in notable theatre performances, such as Hamlet , Julius Caesar and Beautiful Things . On television, he gained acclaim for his role in the telenovela The River as Cobra , where his portrayal earned him a Golden Horn at the South African Film and Television Awards. Condolences from the people in the industry and government are pouring in, with Gauteng MEC for education, sport, arts, culture and recreation Matome Chiloane saying: 'On behalf of the people of Gauteng, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chweneyagae family, friends and the entire performing arts industry. May his soul rest in eternal peace.' Chweneyagae's death is a profound loss to the South African entertainment industry and the global arts community. His legacy endures through his memorable performances and his dedication to social causes. As we reflect on his contributions, we remember a talented actor who used his platform to tell compelling stories and inspire the world commemorates the 20th anniversary of Tsotsi , we honour Presley Chweneyagae's memory and the indelible mark he left on the world of cinema.
