Latest news with #Morake
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Tumi Morake to headline JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival
The festival will be held in Cape Town later in June. Award-winning comedian Tumi Morake is set to headline the 26th edition of the JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival. The festival will be held at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town from 17 to 29 June. Speaking to The Citizen, Morake, who is based in Atlanta, USA, said she is looking forward to reconnecting with audiences. 'It feels like going back to my favourite uncle's house after a long time! 'I am looking forward to one of the best audiences in this country and having a good time,' she said. ALSO READ: Event organiser demands over R80k refund after Pearl Thusi no-show A full-circle moment for Tumi Morake Morake said returning to the JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival is a full-circle moment and described it as a great platform for both seasoned and upcoming comedians. 'It's a mixed bag of goodies that gives everyone a chance to shine. You perform for audience sizes you don't normally get to, so you sharpen your skills. 'Also, it is a great platform to get your name out there and share a stage with international acts.' The 26th edition of the JiVE Cape Town Funny Festival features a line-up of both international and local stars, including Robby Collins, Kagiso Mokgadi, Charlie Caper, Baccalà Clown Emo, and Loukmaan and Friends. Morake is one of the leading names in South African comedy. She has won several awards, including the Savanna Comics' Choice Award, and has been named a Free State Icon. In 2018, she made history as the first African woman to appear in a Netflix comedy special, Just For Laughs Festival, which was streamed globally the following year. After spending the past few years in the United States, she says the experience has sharpened her comedy without changing its core. 'Living in the US has taught me the value of cultural context and research — understanding Ebonics and references makes a big difference. 'It has also taught me to appreciate how well-versed we are in American politics. But the more true I am to my South African roots, the more audiences lean in.' Morake said she enjoys performing at home, particularly because of South Africa's rich linguistic diversity. 'Switching language lanes is the thing I miss most when I'm away. In one South African set, you can go through half the country's official languages!' NOW READ: 'It cannot carry on as things have been' – Gayton McKenzie as he cuts funding for Downtown Music Hub
IOL News
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lebo M pops the question in Dubai: a romantic engagement to Mel Ntsala
Music composer Lebo M with his fiance, Mel Ntsala, in Dubai. Image: Instagram In a heart-warming return to love, South African music producer and composer Lebohang Morake, popularly known as Lebo M, has announced his engagement to his partner, Mel Ntsala. The celebrated figure behind the enchanting scores of Disney's "The Lion King" took to Instagram to share the delightful news, revealing the romantic escapade that underscored their commitment. The 60-year-old producer pulled out all the stops to make this engagement unforgettable, whisking Ntsala away to the dazzling city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Posting a series of picturesque moments from their getaway, Morake expressed his elation, stating: 'The day we stop believing in love and possibilities is the day we stop dreaming. Absolutely grateful to have fulfilled my dream and begin this new chapter with you. Love always. ❤️' Lebo M's journey through love has been marked by both triumph and heartache. This engagement represents a new chapter for the producer, who will be tying the knot for the fifth time. Morake had initially proposed to Ntsala in 2020, but the couple parted ways for a period after he reportedly rekindled a relationship with his ex-wife, Angela Ngani-Casara, with whom he has a complicated history, having married her twice. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading In 2023, Morake found himself navigating the challenges of separation from his fourth wife, Pretty Samuels, who had levelled serious allegations against him, including claims of abuse and fraud. Their marriage lasted just over a year, adding another layer of complexity to Morake's romantic history, which also includes unions with Viveca Gipson, actress Nandi Ndlovu, and an engagement to former "Generations: The Legacy" star Zoe Mthiyane. As news of his engagement to Ntsala spread, netizens took to social media to voice their support and congratulations for the couple. Comments ranged from warmth to humour, with one user, @asiphe_bebeza, acknowledging Morake's commitment to love: 'One thing about you 😂 You date to marry, sana, and I love it for you 🤌🏻.' Another user, @thebeikalafeng, commended him for embracing love in the face of criticism: 'Congratulations, my brother. I love how you love love and ignore the critics who have nothing else good to say or happening in their lives while you live. Onwards and upwards." @minniedlamini said: 'Congratulations 🥂 To the top with love ❤️.' While @savitambuli said: 'LOVE: The greatest gift of all. Congratulations to you two❤️.' As Lebo M and Ntsala embark on this exciting new journey together, fans and followers are rallying around them, offering support and best wishes for a bright future filled with love and possibility.
IOL News
02-05-2025
- IOL News
Convicted: Betuel Morake was on bail for raping his ex-girlfriend when he raped another woman
The Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo sentenced 24-year-old Betuel Morake to 30 years in jail after convicting him on two counts of rape. The Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo has sentenced 24-year-old Betuel Morake to 30 years in jail after being convicted on two counts of rape. Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said Morake was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for raping his 21-year-old ex-girlfriend and a 19-year-old victim. 'The first incident occurred in October 2023, when the accused took his ex-girlfriend from the tavern to an abandoned house, raped her and fled the scene,' said Ledwaba. Morake was arrested in October 2023, and was released on R1,000 bail in November 2023. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 'In the second incident, in December 2023, the same accused forcibly took a 19-year-old victim from the tavern to a dark area in the bushes, where he raped her and fled the scene,' said Ledwaba.
