Latest news with #NomzamoMbatha
News24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Why tribal braids are this winter's go-to hairstyle
Hairstyles deeply rooted in tradition are making a confident return – and for African women, it's more than just a trend. Across the country, more and more women are turning to cornrows and tribal braids. At first, you wouldn't think much of it, but we continued to see intricate hair patterns flooding our social feeds and the streets. It's clear: this movement isn't just about convenience, it's about reclaiming identity through artistry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nomzamo Mbatha (Nxumalo)🇿🇦 (@nomzamo_m) What are tribal braids? Tribal braids are a type of protective hairstyle inspired by traditional African braiding patterns that are rich in symbolism and culture. Often incorporating cornrows, box braids, and intricate parting, tribal braids can include beads, cuffs or coloured extensions, with each pattern historically reflecting one's tribe, age, status or heritage. According to Allure, 'Tribal braids are deeply connected to African ancestry and identity, with roots in the Fulani, [Ghanaian] and Nigerian cultures, among others.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shudu Musiḓa (@shudufhadzomusida) The cultural code In South African communities –and across the continent –braiding has always been more than just a hairstyle. It's a form of communication, a living archive. Distinct patterns and techniques, which - according to okayafrica - often speak to a person's tribe, age, social status or marital position. To wear braids is to wear history. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nambitha Ben-Mazwi (@ladynam_bm) The resurgence For years, the beauty space has been dominated by wigs, weaves and chemically treated styles. But the shift is underway as we see more diversity. South African hairstylist and salon owner Monique Dolamo has witnessed the shift firsthand. 'Tribal braids are reasonably priced, they last over a month and they're a protective hairstyle,' she says. 'Clients love that they don't have to stress about their hair every day –especially during the colder months.' But it's more than practicality. For Monique, each style is a collaboration between heritage and personal flair. 'I always advise my clients based on their face and head shape,' she adds. 'Recreating a hairstyle doesn't mean copying it – it means adapting it to suit the client, while still honouring the original inspiration.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Minnie Dlamini (@minniedlamini) Taking a break from glue The return to braids also reflects a rejection of damaging practices. Monique says more women are ditching wigs – especially the glued-down kind – due to hairline damage. 'To be honest, some women don't have healthy hairlines anymore,' she explains. 'Glue blocks the hair follicles and suffocates the scalp. Your hairline can't breathe, so it doesn't regenerate properly.' Braids, in contrast, allow natural hair to rest. By tucking strands away, tribal styles protect against breakage, especially in winter, while supporting hair growth. With proper care, they can last for weeks – ideal for women balancing busy schedules with bold beauty. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thembisa Liyema Nxumalo (@thembisamdoda) Not just a look – a legacy Whether worn as a bold fashion statement or a quiet nod to ancestry, tribal braids are more than a seasonal trend – they're a powerful return to self. 'Women are saying they're proud to be African – in every sense,' Monique says. 'They love how authentic they feel in braids. It's a whole new level of confidence.' So, as the temperatures drop, there's no better time to protect your crown with a style that's stood the test of time – and tells a story of pride, resilience and beauty. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Masasa Mbangeni (@madlomo2) Show Comments ()
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Citizen
Recipe of the Day: Sunny Side Up Breakfast
Whether you're fuelling up for a busy day or enjoying a leisurely brunch, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Start your day off right with a delicious and nutritious breakfast featuring sunny-side-up eggs and creamy avocado. This vibrant dish combines perfectly cooked eggs with the rich, buttery texture of ripe avocado, creating a delightful balance of flavours and nutrients. Whether you're fuelling up for a busy day or enjoying a leisurely brunch, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Simply fry the eggs to your preferred doneness, season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, and serve alongside sliced or mashed avocado for an added dose of healthy fats. Pair it with whole grain toast or a fresh salad for a complete meal that keeps you energised. With its bright colours and satisfying taste, this sunny side up eggs and avocado recipe is not just a feast for the stomach but also for the eyes, perfect for starting your morning on a high note Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves 1 ALSO READ: Nomzamo Mbatha stuns in traditional Zulu fashion elegance on Shaka iLembe tour Ingredients: Splash avocado or olive oil 60 ml (¼ cup) Parmesan, finely grated + extra for topping 1 egg Salt and pepper ½ avocado, sliced A handful of baby spinach Tomato chilli jam, to serve Method: Heat a splash of oil in a small frying pan over low heat. Add the Parmesan in a thin even layer and cook for about 3 minutes or until golden. Carefully remove from the pan. Add another splash of oil into the same pan and fry the egg for 3–5 minutes, or until the white is set, and the yolk is still soft. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the egg on the Parmesan crisp, topped with avocado, spinach, tomato chilli jam, and extra Parmesan sprinkled over. Tip: To make an avocado rose, place the peeled avocado, cut side down, on a cutting board. Slice through the width into skinny slices and fan out into a straight line. Beginning at one end, gently roll up the slices into a spiral rose shape. -Recipe supplied by:
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Nomzamo Mbatha stuns in traditional Zulu fashion elegance on Shaka iLembe tour
Nomzamo Mbatha Nxumalo is no stranger to the spotlight, but 2025 is shaping up to be her most radiant year yet. As the executive producer and lead actress of Shaka iLembe, she's captivating both Mzansi and the world, not just through powerful storytelling, but also with her fashion-forward, proudly Zulu style. From Cannes to Fourways, Nomzamo is rewriting what it means to be a modern African queen. Shaka iLembe takes the world stage Nomzamo Mbatha. Picture: Supplied South Africa's most expensive TV production to date, Shaka iLembe, is more than a historical drama; it's a cultural masterpiece. Produced by Bomb! Productions for Mzansi Magic, the series traces the powerful origin story of King Shaka Zulu—one of Africa's most legendary leaders—who revolutionised military tactics with formations that remain influential in military history. Nomzamo plays Queen Nandi, Shaka's mother, delivering a performance that is as regal as it is emotionally compelling. But Nomzamo isn't just acting; she's a driving force behind the camera too, serving as executive producer and contributing to the writing. Her passion for authenticity has helped cement the series as a visual love letter to Zulu culture. Golden girl at Cannes Nomzamo recently dazzled international audiences at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where she screened Shaka iLembe and picked up an international award. She wore a stunning, sculpted golden gown by @luxurybydesignsandton that turned heads on the red carpet. Of the experience, she wrote: 'Incredibly honoured to not only screen SHAKA iLEMBE at Cannes Film Festival in front of a global audience, but to also receive this incredible award.' It was a moment not just for her, but for South African television and African storytelling as a whole. From Durban to Jozi: a style tour Nomzamo Mbatha. Picture: X Nomzamo's fashion game has been fierce during her nationwide Shaka iLembe promotional tour. Whether she's holding viewer experiences or leading panel discussions, her style is as commanding as her on-screen presence. In Durban, she wore a mustard dress with intricate rope and tassel detailing, channelling royal energy as she recited her clan names to an adoring crowd. At Fourways Mall activation in Johannesburg, she opted for a sleek blue bodycon dress with white detailing and earrings to match, reminding fans why she's South Africa's certified body goals. Picture X ALSO READ: Siya Kolisi gets down in Peru: Minister of Enjoyment celebrates best friend's wedding Tradition meets trend Nomzamo Mbatha , Picture X The pièce de résistance? A breathtaking red traditional Zulu outfit stole the show. The ensemble, a top and skirt accented with white beads, was brought to life with a bold beaded headpiece and playful pink sneakers. It was the perfect nod to her character, Queen Nandi, and a powerful statement on keeping heritage alive. She also stunned in a deconstructed peplum-style top paired with dark jeans and six-inch leopard print heels, blending tradition with the trend in effortless fashion. Nomzamo Mbatha, Picture Tik Tok A Queen on and off the screen When she's not dazzling on red carpets or screens, Nomzamo is busy changing lives. As a UN Goodwill Ambassador and philanthropist, she's been actively involved in education initiatives and building schools in her province of KwaZulu-Natal. She's also the face of a major cosmetics brand, Neutrogena, balancing humanitarian work, acting, and fashion with a grace that echoes through every appearance ALSO READ: Eben and Anlia Etzebeth expecting baby number two: 'Our little wildflower' More than a TV show #fyp ♬ Isaka (6am) – Ciza & Jazzworx & Thukuthela @omegaoriginalza The Omega team had the incredible honor of visiting Gateway Theatre of Shopping to meet the talented cast of Shaka iLembe. As a token of appreciation, we gifted them with a special selection of sandals — a small gesture for the giants who bring our stories to life! @Thembinkosi Mthembu @Wiseman Mncube @Nomzamo Mbatha @Lemogang Lemo Tsipa @Shaka iLembe Mzansi #shakailembe With co-stars like Thembinkosi Mthembu (Dingiswayo), Lemogang Tsipa (Shaka), Dawn Thandeka King (Mkabayi), and Mondli Makhoba, Shaka iLembe is a show built on talent and cultural reverence. Together, the cast and crew are not just making entertainment, they're making history. In Nomzamo's words and wardrobe, in her presence and pride, Shaka iLembe continues to celebrate the richness of Zulu identity, one scene, one outfit, and one heartfelt moment at a time.
The South African
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Met Gala 2025 celebrates Black elegance and tailored resistance
The Met Gala 2025, formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit, returned with a powerful tribute to Black dandyism under the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. Held annually at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the event merges fashion and storytelling while raising funds for the museum's Costume Institute. This year's showcase spotlighted the elegance, history, and cultural impact of Black style in both historical and modern fashion contexts. This year's theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style , paid tribute to Black dandyism, a cultural movement in which Black individuals have used tailored fashion to express pride, defy stereotypes, and assert identity. Inspired by Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion , the exhibition spotlighted how Black communities have shaped fashion through elegance, creativity, and bold innovation. South African actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha attended as a red-carpet correspondent for African Fashion International (AFI). Her presence offered a proud African perspective on this global stage. Singer Tyla, styled by Law Roach, wore a bespoke Jacquemus design. The look, with its structure and flair, captured the spirit of the theme. Nigerian artist Tems collaborated with British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng. She wore a dramatic peacock-blue gown with pinstripe sleeves and a large bow, blending traditional tailoring with modern femininity, embodying the Black dandyism theme. Meanwhile, South Sudanese-Australian supermodel Adut Akech wore a custom Christian Dior gown. Her look featured a sculptural feather collar adorned with Swarovski crystals. Styled by @highheelprncess, she embodied African excellence in haute couture. Anna Wintour hosted the 2025 Met Gala alongside co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, ASAP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams. Together, they presented a show that was both stylish and deeply meaningful. Tailored pieces, bold prints, and Harlem Renaissance-inspired silhouettes took centre stage. These looks reminded the world that Black style is not only about aesthetics. It is rooted in heritage, resistance, and the future. In the end, Superfine wasn't just a theme. It was a powerful statement: Black fashion is central, not secondary, to global style. 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.
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Nomzamo Mbatha channels African elegance in MmusoMaxwell for the Met Gala
"Shaka iLembe" actress and executive Nomzamo Mbatha attended the 2025 Met Gala as the Africa Fashion International (AFI) red carpet correspodent. Picture: Instagram/theoluwaseye Actress and philanthropist Nomzamo Mbatha attended one of the biggest nights in fashion, the Met Gala, as the red-carpet correspondent for Africa Fashion International (AFI). Africa Fashion International (AFI), a leading luxury fashion company in Africa, is one of the major sponsors for this year's Met Gala. Mbatha for the big night, Mbatha entrusted the womenswear label designed by the duo Mmuso Potsane and Maxwell Boko, known as MmusoMaxwell to bring Superfine: Tailoring Black Style to life. 'MmusoMaxwell have shown their incredible craftsmanship over the years when it comes to tailoring - with short notice they went above and beyond and we made it to the Met,' shared Mbatha on Instagram.
