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IOL News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Celebrating young stars transforming South Africa's entertainment scene this Youth Month
Ayakha Ntunja's nostalgic affinity for theatre and film has propelled her toward major accolades. Image: Mishaal Gangaram As South Africa embraces Youth Month, an annual celebration that honours the vibrant spirit, resilience, and contributions of the nation's youth, it also shines a spotlight on the burgeoning talent within the entertainment industry. A generation of young stars is not only entertaining audiences but also transforming the cultural landscape of the nation, and their achievements deserve recognition and celebration. The South African entertainment realm is a mosaic of diverse talents, with young artists marking their presence in music, film and television. This Youth Month, we celebrate some of the industry's brightest stars who are redefining success and inspiring their peers. Ayakha Ntunja Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Ayakha Ntunja's nostalgic affinity for theatre and film has propelled her toward major accolades. Image: Mishaal Gangaram Ayakha Ntunja's journey in the performing arts appears ordained during her formative years at SA's National School of the Arts. Her nostalgic affinity for theatre and film has propelled her toward major accolades. Her multifaceted talents have seen her take on significant roles, including a remarkable performance as Thembi on "MTV Shuga Down South', which helped solidify her rising status in television. Most recently, she has taken centre stage in 'Youngins', playing the lead role of Amo, and is currently enchanting audiences with her portrayal of Qhawe in "Inimba'. Niyaaz Arendse Niyaaz Arendse embodies the essence of a true entertainer. Image: Niyaaz Arendse Instagram With a natural charisma and a powerful voice, Niyaaz Arendse embodies the essence of a true entertainer. This Cape Town native's musical journey began at a tender age and quickly developed, catching the attention of his primary school teacher by age six. Talent shows became his playground, and after years of honing his craft, he burst onto the scene as part of a boy band before embarking on a successful solo career. Arendse first captured the hearts of South African viewers during his stint in the Top 5 of 'Idols SA' season 14, but it was his earlier performance on 'SA's Got Talent' at age 14 that firmly established his place in the public eye. Since then, he has concentrated on creating a unique sound, evident in his debut single "Don't Need It" released in 2020. Kim Blanche Adonis Kim Blanche Adonis has captured the hearts and minds of audiences through her dynamic solo acts. Image: File Award-winning actress Kim Blanche Adonis stands out as a superb performer whose exceptional range and compelling storytelling have placed her in the spotlight. Lauded for her powerful performances, Adonis has captured the hearts and minds of audiences through her dynamic solo acts that weave satire and social commentary into her narratives. Her ability to embody an array of characters has earned her widespread acclaim, with critics praising her chameleon-like versatility, enhanced by diverse accents and physicality. One of her most noteworthy performances was in 'My Fellow South Africans'. Adonis' skillful integration of humour and serious social issues not only captivates audiences but also provokes thought and dialogue, solidifying her place as one of Mzansi's most influential artists. Ntando Zondi Ntando Zondi has also made a significant mark in the entertainment scene. Image: Ntando Zondi Instagram Emerging from a young age with a passion for the arts, Ntando Zondi has also made a significant mark in the entertainment scene. His charismatic flair for acting became evident throughout his academic journey, and he made an impressive debut in the widely acclaimed television series 'Shaka iLembe'. As the young King Shaka, Zondi showcased his remarkable acting abilities and his dedication to embodying complex characters authentically. Following this breakthrough, Zondi continued to rise, appearing in productions such as 'Red Ink" where he played Sifiso, as well as in the series 'Sibongile & The Dlaminis'. His talent has not gone unnoticed; recently, he received a nomination for the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Best Newcomer Actor Award at the KZN Film & Television Awards 2024, a clear indicator of his rising star in the industry. Lauren Bianca Maduray Lauren Bianca Maduray's work resonates beyond the pages. Image: Lauren Bianca Maduray Instagram Another rising star making waves is Lauren Bianca Maduray, a comic book artist who has recently ventured into writing with her debut fantasy romance 'His Wolf Her Horse'. Maduray's journey from beloved comic creator to published author exemplifies her diverse talents and unwavering passion for storytelling. Armed with a degree in psychological counselling, Maduray channels her knowledge and creativity into her artistry, urging young artists to embrace both faith and creativity as fundamental to their success. Her work resonates beyond the pages, inviting readers on a journey that seamlessly intertwines the enchanting worlds of comics and literature.
The South African
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
'Please come back dad': Thabiso mourns Presley Chweneyagae
Thabiso Ramotshela, known for his roles in The River, Youngins , and Blood Legacy , has shared an emotional tribute to his on-screen father, Presley Chweneyagae. The legendary River actor passed away on Tuesday morning at age 40 due to breathing complications. Thabiso, visibly shaken by the loss, took to social media to express his heartbreak. Presley portrayed his father on The River , and they shared a strong bond even beyond the workplace. In a touching Instagram post, Thabiso shared behind-the-scenes clips of their time on set, accompanied by a heartfelt caption. 'Please come back, Dad,' he captioned the post. In a separate TikTok post, the actor shared more of his heartbreak and expressed how deeply he cared for him. 'I don't even know where to start. Goodbye pops. I love you and will see you soon,' he wrote. The passing of Presley has left many devastated. According to the family spokesperson, the Tsotsi star died of natural causes, and there was no foul play involved. 'We want to put the record straight that it was a natural death as far as we are concerned. He had a complication in relation to breathing. Paramedics were called at home, and he was attended to. We appreciate the professional nature of the paramedics.' Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Tuesday evening, Mzwakhe said the actor had never experienced health issues before, and his sudden passing came as a shock to them. 'We spent time with him yesterday (Monday), and there were no signs that something like this could happen. However, we don't want to speculate; we want to allow all the necessary procedures and protocols to take their course.' 'It's safe to say he never struggled; he had always been a healthy person and was doing well. We were with him on Monday, so this is quite shocking,' he said. WHICH ICONIC CHARACTER PLAYED BY PRESLEY IS YOUR FAVOURITE? 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.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Legacy in Motion: How Alex Xolo is Redefining African Film
Alex Xolo is redefining African cinema. With a rich background in theatre and film, he inspires emerging talent across the continent, shaping the future of South African storytelling. Image: Supplied In the evolving landscape of African storytelling, Alex Xolo is fast becoming one of South Africa's most promising voices in television. A visionary, a mentor, and a cultural custodian, Xolo has carved a path defined by creativity, ambition, and a deep commitment to authentic storytelling. Born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, his earliest memories are steeped in the oral traditions of his community — stories passed down through generations, rich with rhythm, emotion, and wisdom. It is this foundation that anchors his work today: a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. Xolo's professional journey is marked by a series of impressive writing credits. He contributed to the TV series Law, Love and Betrayal in 2024, serving as a storyliner for 13 episodes and writing three episodes. His work continued with the series Youngins, where he wrote multiple episodes across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. These projects showcase his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. 'People are more than just walking stereotypes; we have different lived experiences. It is seeing the [multifaceted nature] of our humanity and by doing that, we challenge the existing stereotypes and traditional narratives, thus redefining what African cinema is.' He continues, 'it is important to be constantly moving the needle forward, shifting the narrative, and creating authentic representation in its all forms. To redefine African cinema means looking at society and telling more aspirational stories and through my journey as a screenwriter, I'm honing that craft, understanding it better, and coming to the full realisation of how important telling stories is.' Alex Xolo Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Xolo's passion for storytelling began early, nurtured through a love for theatre, acting, and directing. He pursued this passion academically, earning a degree in Film and Television from the University of Johannesburg. His talents were further honed during his time at the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where he developed a keen interest in the technical aspects of production, particularly camera work and lighting. This experience broadened his understanding of the industry and solidified his commitment to storytelling that challenges and entertains. From his entry into the industry to his recent role as a screenwriter, producer and director, Xolo has consistently demonstrated a commitment to authenticity. His films are deeply rooted in African identity, exploring complex themes like displacement, generational trauma, political unrest, and spiritual awakening — all while centering African talent in its unfiltered form. But perhaps his greatest legacy lies not only in the films he's made but in the filmmakers he's inspired. Through his production company, Lexy Productions, and various initiatives, Xolo has become a beacon for emerging talent across the continent. He's mentored many young writers, directors, and cinematographers — many of whom have gone on to work on significant projects. He frequently collaborates with film schools to ensure that the next generation is equipped not only with technical skills but with a deep understanding of cultural storytelling. Alex Xolo Image: Supplied For Xolo, storytelling is more than a profession; it's a calling. He believes in creating stories that not only entertain but also offer positive representations of humanity. His leadership style is grounded in Ubuntu — the philosophy that 'I am because we are.' He uplifts, shares credit generously, and creates space for others to rise. He believes that leadership is not about being at the top, but about building a solid foundation others can stand on. As he continues to build his career, Xolo remains committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling in South Africa. With a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of production, he is well-positioned to become a leading figure in the industry. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring storytellers and a testament to the transformative power of dedication and vision. With a legacy that grows deeper with each project and a heart that beats for Africa's creative soul, Alex Xolo is not just telling stories. He's shaping history and he's just getting started!
