Latest news with #UkhoziFM
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
'Her impact is still felt': Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule's husband remembers her
Mbokazi-Nkambule succumbed to lung cancer last year. Bishop Mpendulo Brian Nkambule has paid tribute to his late wife, gospel music awards pioneer Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, exactly a year after she died. Mbokazi-Nkambule died on 12 August 2024 at Parklands Hospital in Durban after battling lung cancer. ALSO READ: 16 South African celebrities who died in 2024 [PICS] Family honours the memory of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule Taking to Instagram on Tuesday to pay tribute to his late wife, Bishop Nkambule said her impact is still felt. 'It was on this day, 12 August 2024, when my beautiful wife Zanele Mbokazi transitioned to glory. The memory of the righteous is blessed. 'Her impact is still felt. Her voice is not silenced even in her absence. The children and I are still living in the goodness of God. Keep resting, my love… We are not sad, but we are in pain,' he wrote. Her daughter, Yolanda Myeza, also shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram stories: 'A year later and nothing makes sense without you here. You are in every thought I have, every decision I make. You will forever be part of my tapestry.' The 52-year-old was widely known for her work as a Ukhozi FM radio host and as the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards. In a statement last year, Ukhozi FM business manager Sbongi Ngcobo said Mbokazi-Nkambule's enthusiasm touched hearts and transformed lives. 'Throughout her tenure, Zanele was an integral part of the Ukhozi FM family, spreading love, hope, and inspiration to countless listeners through her uplifting gospel show. 'Her passion for sharing the message of faith and her infectious enthusiasm touched hearts and transformed lives,' Ngcobo said. Crown Gospel Music Awards: The legacy continues This year, the Crown Gospel Music Awards will continue to celebrate Mbokazi's legacy as the prestigious event marks its 18th edition. The 18th Crown Gospel Music Awards will be held on 23 November, with more details yet to be announced. NOW READ: 'Moses of Westbury': Former Fast Guns gangster faces demons of the past in 'Jan Bloed' doccie
News24
18-07-2025
- Business
- News24
Ukhozi FM's DJ Zeal on radio career and opening Tshuza restaurant
Supplied She is known for her deep and enthralling voice that permeates the airwaves on Ukhozi FM every week when she hosts Fakumoya from 8 PM to 12 AM on Friday nights. After helping many businesses thrive for many years, DJ Zeal, whose given name is Zandile Dladla, has become a businesswoman herself with the recent opening of her restaurant Tshuza in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. She says the business has been in the making for many years, and she's grateful that she's finally able to see the idea come to pass. Speaking to Drum, the radio jock says she is excited to finally be able to become a restaurant owner. 'I've helped many other restaurants as a consultant in the past years, and now I've opened my own since June 2025 this year - it's picking up nicely. My favourite thing is hosting events with lots of food and great music- those two things go well together. It's an exciting journey that takes hard work and dedication, but I am here to ensure Tshuza grows and touches people's lives with beautiful memories and quality service,' she explains. In a strategic move, she seized the opportunity with the recent Durban July that was held in her city. Read more | 'I've never not had a job' - Pabi Moloi flexes work ethic ahead of new show 'We hosted the first Tshuza Durban July weekend with the opening of Monday Blues, which was aimed at serving people who had attended the Durban July, and needed some pick-me-up food. My colleagues Thee Dynamite and DJ Mshengu fr Ukhozi were present to support me at the event,' she says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Zeal MaDladla (@djzealmadladla) Although this is her second month running the business, she has made strides, and this can easily be attributed to her ebullient personality, which resonates with her desired demographics. 'The kitchen/ restaurant is called Tshuza - and it is situated at Clairwood on Coast Road, which is a main road. It's been two months of serving delicious traditional food, we deliver, we do events, and we do catering too, and so far, business has been very good. I've received tremendous support, and for that I'm grateful,' she says. She may be a fully fledged businesswoman, but she hasn't toned down from her other passions, such as doing private gigs and being an MC. Contrary to popular belief, DJ Zeal still does everything she did before her business venture. 'I still MC and DJ, people think that I don't provide those services anymore because I own a restaurant not true - I still love radio, I still consult and MC for events, I still take bookings to DJ,' she sets the record straight.
TimesLIVE
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Gospel fraternity mourns death of renowned pastor Dr SD Gumbi
The gospel and religious community is in mourning after the death of revered pastor Dr Simon 'SD' Gumbi, affectionately known for his iconic phrase ' U-Amen Usekhona? ' He died on Monday evening after a long illness at the age of 66. Gumbi rose to prominence in the 1990s with his popular and spirit-filled sermons on Ukhozi FM's Sunday night show Unkulunkulu Nomuntu Omusha, where he ministered to millions of listeners across South Africa. His powerful voice, unwavering faith and ability to reach people's hearts earned him a loyal following both on air and in church circles. Gospel legend Sipho Makhabane expressed his heartbreak over the loss, describing Gumbi as more than just a colleague. 'I'm still coming to terms with his passing and I'm saddened by the news. I've lost a father, a brother and a mentor in the gospel fraternity. I'll remember uBaba for his full contribution to the gospel industry whether it's in singing, preaching or prayer. He always made an effort to make someone's life better. My heartfelt condolences to his family,' Makhabane told TshisaLIVE. Award-winning gospel singer Rebecca Malope also paid tribute, reflecting on the life and spiritual impact of the late preacher. 'May his soul rest in peace. He has done the Lord's work and he was trusted by the Lord in his duty. Wherever he is, the angels are embracing him. We could see he was no longer himself. All the pain he endured is no more. It's a great loss to us, the gospel fraternity at large,' Malope said. Gospel singer and pastor Jabu Hlongwane shared his own emotional memory of Gumbi, recalling their last meeting at the funeral of fellow gospel icon Zanele Mbokazi. 'I'm still trying to adjust my thinking about this sad news. When I heard of his passing, I thought who's going to be the father in our space now? He fulfilled his purpose on this earth, which was to spread the gospel. When we saw him for the last time at Zanele's funeral, it felt like a farewell. He spoke, then sang, and we all sang along with him. It was beautiful. Condolences to his family,' said Hlongwane.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Ladysmith Black Mambazo receives special award
The group was recognised for its lasting contribution to South Africa's indigenous music. Ukhozi FM has honoured legendary Isicathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo with a special award in celebration of the group's 65th anniversary in the music industry. The award was presented during the Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival, held in Sun City, North West, this past weekend. The group was recognised for its lasting contribution to South Africa's indigenous music. Accepting the award, Sibongiseni Tshabalala, son of the group's founder, Dr Joseph Shabalala, said they were humbled and honoured. 'Ukhozi FM celebrated us for the role we've played in nurturing and growing umculo wesintu. From the hills of Ladysmith to stages across the world, we've carried the sounds of our ancestors with pride,' he added. Celebrating with global and local tours To mark their milestone, Ladysmith Black Mambazo launched a North American tour in February. The group performed in more than 30 cities across the US and Canada, with stops in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Toronto. Following their return home, the group kicked off a national tour in May. They have already performed in Johannesburg, with upcoming shows in Durban and Cape Town. The tour will continue throughout the year and conclude in December. READ MORE: Ladysmith Black Mambazo embark on North American tour without founding member Albert Mazibuko Ladysmith Black Mambazo still going strong after six decades With a career spanning more than six decades, the group has earned global acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards. Their signature blend of traditional Zulu harmonies continues to resonate with audiences beyond South African borders. Reflecting on their journey, Tshabalala said it is a privilege to witness the legacy of the group continuing to grow. 'It's amazing to walk in the footsteps of my father and the group's founders. I've been with the group for over 30 years myself. The legacy continues to grow from glory to glory. 'In a few years, we'll be marking 70 years — an incredible milestone not just for us, but for global music history. We thank South Africans, the continent and the world for their continued support,' he added. NOW READ: How the last episode of 'Shaka iLembe' made Nomzamo Mbatha feel like a 'new person'
News24
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
65 years of music with Ladysmith Black Mambazo – ‘Anything you dream of is possible'
____________________________________________________________________ They've defined South African folk music around the globe across generations. Since the 1960s, Ladysmith Black Mambazo's intricate rhythms and uplifting harmonies have created a spiritual movement around the world. This earned them the title as the first South African group to win a Grammy Award in 1988, bagging five more awards and 17 nominations across their illustrious career. Initially assembled by the late Joseph Shabalala in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the group is famous for collaborating with music legends like Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon and making hits for iconic films like The Lion King, Coming to America and Cry, The Beloved Country. The legendary group was honoured by Ukhozi FM at the Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival in June 2025 to celebrate 65 years of excellence and their nurturing of South Africa's famed indigenous sound. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ladysmith Black Mambazo (@theladysmithblackmambazo) Sibongiseni Shabalala, lead vocalist and the son of founder Joseph Shabalala, shares with TRUELOVE the kind of legacy Ladysmith Black Mambazo hopes to leave for generations to come. 'Celebrating 65 years in the music industry, [we'd] like to leave behind the legacy of education and knowledge. [We'd] like the young generation to learn from the journey of Ladysmith Black Mambazo that anything you dream of is possible, no matter where you come from or what background. 'If you work hard and dedicate yourself, respect the vision that you have for you. Dream, it will come true.' From the hills of Ladysmith, KZN, to stages around the world, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been intentional for decades about staying true the music that defined the lives of mine workers throughout South Africa's history that used music to entertain and uplift themselves working in the harsh conditions. Known as isicathamiya, Sibongiseni explains its importance and how they've kept their sound fresh. 'The style of the music that we sing, isicathamiya, has always been the same. It's the new compositions and the visions of our founder Dr Joseph Shabalala of blending the voices to come up with different harmonies that makes it a little different from the others. 'Also, the collaborations that we do sometimes with other artists helps but, most importantly, it's staying together and rehearsing all the time that keeps the sound fresh. If you became lazy in rehearsal, the music forgets you,' Sibongiseni says. Ladysmith Black Mambazo's legacy was and still is undeniable, with the group wrapping up their U.S. tour. They're also still actively touring across South Africa and the continent until December 2025. Sharing some last words of wisdom, Sibongiseni offers advice for artists on maintaining their longevity in South Africa's and the global music industry. 'It is important to do the music for you, for the love of it, not for money or special awards or accolades. If it's in you and [you're] doing it for the love, then you won't be discouraged by not winning an award or being [more] popular than others but you will focus on your music to try and make it better all the time. It will help you to stay longer. Sibongeni adds, 'Also, collaborate work with other people that have the same vision as you and don't be lazy, be active, market your music. Nowadays it's very easy umhlaba uhlangene (the world is connected), use the social media and other internet platforms to promote your group.'
