Entertainment

The Fuse News Quiz

Entertainment, Newsroom, Sports / July 21, 2023

Hey there! Are you ready to put your knowledge to the test and have some fun while staying up-to-date with the latest news? Look no further because we’ve got the perfect challenge for you—a trivia quiz that will not only entertain you but also keep you informed about what’s happening in the world. So grab your thinking caps, flex those brain muscles, and let’s dive into the exciting world of current events! Get ready to be amazed, learn something new, and show off your trivia skills. Let’s do this!

Image: Supplied

Nolwazi Ngubeni’s final bow on Scandal!

Entertainment, Fused, Local Entertainment , Stories of South Africa / February 16, 2023

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Nolwazi Ngubeni is one of South Africa’s most talented, seasoned actresses. We’ve seen her face on shows that date as far back as the early 2000s. Her most recent character was Mbali Kubeka on eTV’s Scandal!

Mbali has gone from being Jojo’s loyal wife to becoming a conniving stalker who wants no one around her husband. She’s turned into a scheming manipulator, overly ambitious, driven and prepared to do whatever it takes to get her dream life. Coming from a modest home in Snake Park, Mbali always dreamt of a better life for herself.

When she met Jojo, she saw all of her dreams coming true and immediately began lying in order to become Mrs Kubeka. Jojo used to believe that Mbali was a flower in need of protection, but once he started to see who she really is, he wondered if he wasn’t the one in need of protection instead.

Despite her flaws, Mbali truly loves Jojo and her actions, while questionable, are fueled by her need to be with him and give him the family and future he also wants. When Mbali married Jojo, she placed all her ambitions in him and so without him, she is left with nothing. Mbali is unable to carry a child, which left a big scar on her own sense of femininity. These struggles birthed the manipulative, dangerous liar that she eventually became.

“Being on Scandal! has been one of the greatest joys of my career. I truly appreciate the immense support the producers, cast and crew have shown me. I walk away with fond memories as I prepare to take on the next phase of my journey. Thank you to all the viewers for watching and consistently supporting my work. Onwards and upwards,” she said.

The South African actress, casting director and producer, who became a household name when she was awarded a  South African Film and Television Awards gong for her role in the 2008 production A Place Called Home, has earned her place on TV screens locally and abroad.

She also featured in the 2011 drama film Otelo Burning that earned her two nominations for best actress at the Safta and Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (best actress in a feature film). Nolwazi was also an actress in Single Guyz, Nothing for Mahala, Mzali Wami while working as a casting director in The Chemo Club, Farewell Ella Bella, MTV Shuga, AboMama, Umlilo and the multi-award-winning soap opera Rhythm City.

As she leaves Scandal!, the multitalented thespian will continue her journey as casting director in the new season of Mzansi Magic’s telenovela Umkhokha while also acting in another production that is yet to be announced.

Image: Instagram

Young Limpopo film director, Letlhogonolo Masipa’s film makes it big

Career, Entertainment, Fused, Local Entertainment , Stories of South Africa / February 15, 2023

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

In the past, South African stories were always told by others and not us, but this norm has been slowly dying as South African creatives are writing their own books, singing their own songs, making their own fashion and certainly making their own films.

One of the many young creatives who is paving the way in this journey is Letlhogonolo Masipa, a film director from the Limpopo province.

Letlhogonolo’s recent short film titled “Memories Last for a Lifetime” which was shot in his home province of Limpopo has been chosen as an official selection at Kalakari Film Festival. The short film was also nominated for the Kalakari Film Awards that will be hosted in Indore – India on the 18th of March this year.

In a recent post, the artist celebrated this achievement by thanking everyone invloved in this project, including his grandparents. “Congratulations to the amazing cast and crew this one is for y’all. To my grandmother and my grandfather thank you for allowing me to tell your story,” he wrote.

The Kalakari Film Festival is an exclusive event of INDIA for upcoming artist and thinkers. It is an award function and art festival by Rishi Nikam, and is the most prestigious awards for the film, animation, visual effects, photography segment across the Indian sub-continent and beyond, including South Africa.

Letlhogonolo has a dream of becoming an Oscar-winning filmmaker, and in his words, “the Journey of getting it truly begins here” – we’d say he’s off to an amazing, inspirational start!

Tweeps react to Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance and pregnancy reveal

Entertainment, Fused, Stories of South Africa / February 13, 2023

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman, Rihanna is pregnant with her second child.

The 34-year-old 2023 Super Bowl Halftime performer took the stage in Phoenix, dressed head-to-toe in bright red, revealing a baby bump, and becoming the first pregnant woman to star in the halftime show.

Rihanna pulled a Beyonce by rubbing her stomach and leaving the zipper of her outfit — a jumpsuit layered over a close-fitting bodysuit and sculpted bandeau — down to reveal her belly.

The Grammy winner and her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, welcomed their first child in May 2022.

It’s been a while since Rihanna has had a performance or released new music, so of course her fans had a lot to say:

Image: Instagram

Akhenime Mfenyana impresses viewers with her beauty and talent on Mzansi Magic’s Gqeberha: The Empire

Entertainment, Fused, Local Entertainment , Stories of South Africa / January 19, 2023

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

With an impressive cast, gripping storylines, and mouth-watering plot twists, the new Mzansi Magic telenovela, Gqeberha: The Empire, is promised to be a favorite with Mzansi viewers.

Produced by the multi-award winning Tshedza Pictures (The River, The Republic, Legacy), this is the first Mzansi Magic telenovela filmed entirely in the Eastern Cape.

Gqeberha: The Empire’s star-studded cast includes Zikhona Sodlaka (The Wife, Blood Psalms); Zandile Msutwana (Grootboom & Sons, The Queen); Mbulelo Grootboom (Wounds, Suidooster); Kay Bikitsha (The Queen); Phila Madlingozi (Isikizi, The Queen); Anele Matoti (Recipes for Love and Murder, Wounds); and Akhenime Mfenyana.

Luzuko Mxenge (played by Grootboom) is a successful businessman who is husband to three very different, very strong wives: Bulelwa (played by Sodlaka), Zimkhita (played by Luzuko) and Nozuko (played by Bikitsha). What more could he want? Another wife, for starters.

Akhenime’s character, Anathi is first noticed by Thulani, the businessman’s son, but later impresses the businessman himself with her beauty when he dines at the restaurant he works at. With her poor background and dream of becoming a chef with her own restaurant, Anathi agrees to marry Luzuko because she is charmed by him and knows that marrying him will change the life of her family.

Her portrayal of Anathi has already impressed viewers – and who doesn’t love a fresh face on television?

“Mzansi Magic is excited to premiere a new telenovela, which is one of the genres our channel is known for and that our viewers enjoy greatly. With its premiere, we are excited to expand into Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape – a first for the telenovela world.

With the incredible quality of storytelling from one of the top production houses on the continent, we are optimistic that the audiences will fall in love with the series,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.

His decision to expand the family soon threatens to bring out the bitterness his wives have long suppressed ­­– but also comes with complications no one could have predicted, endangering his relationship with his heir-apparent.

Gqeberha: The Empire follows themes of dynasty, family, love, betrayal, polygamy, and jealousy, through the lens of characters viewers will be able to relate to – there will be those you root for and those you love to hate.

Catch the show every weekday at 9pm only on Mzansi Magic.

South African babies of Tik Tok that made our ovaries scream in 2022

Entertainment, Fused, Humour, Local Entertainment , Stories of South Africa / December 28, 2022

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

If you don’t have any children, these babies probably made you consider starting a family of your own, or if you have older children, these babies might’ve made you think of adding just one more. Either way, they’re the cutest little munchkins you’ll see on South African Tik Tok.

  1. If you’re a regular on Tik Tok, you must have come across mischevious little baby Una who is strong and always up to something!
@ammy_4una

18months and we still at it 😩, #fyp #motherhood #babiesoftiktok

♬ Halloween ・ cute horror song – PeriTune

2. Baby Daniel, or “Danxaza” as his nanny affectionately calls him, takes no days off! Even in his Christmas hat, Danxaza will always have a broom in hand, ready to clean up a storm!

@anellevoyi101

♬ original sound – anellevoyi101

3. Lulu’s love for her dad and food can’t go unnoticed! She’s the sweetest, cutest little baby girl. How she demolishes her parents’ food is hilarious!

@kwamatokazi

Inyama ncaaaa emntaneni wa #kwamatokazi emgidini wakwa Bangiso ekhaya

♬ original sound – KwaMatokazi
  1. No baby is as unphased about anything like baby Mohumi – his mother might suffer here and there because of his….curiosity, though!
@brandcupid

Replying to @serriggs It feels like within 5 seconds🙄🧐😄 What is he chanting🧐🧐#40millionbaby #40millionconversationswithkids #tatatata

♬ original sound – Brand Cupid
5. Baby Cyus is so adorable, and his cousin is hilarious!
@lala_d2

😅😂😅🫶🏻#BoostYourRadiance #AnythingForTheTaste #babyCyus #nephew #son

♬ original sound – Lala_d2
Image: Instagram

South African soprano, Pretty Yende is flying the country’s flag high

Entertainment, Fused, Local Entertainment , Stories of South Africa / December 20, 2022

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Her voice has been dubbed a voice that can reach the stars by the Washington Post, and it seems South African operatic soprano Pretty Yende is aiming even higher.

In October 2022, Pretty was awarded a Ceremonial Badge of Honour for her contribution to the arts and letters in France and worldwide after just 12 years of making her professional operatic debut at the Latvian National Theatre in Riga, Latvia, as Micaela in Carmen in 2010. From the small town of Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, to the world!

Pretty was bestowed an Order of Arts and Letters award by France’s Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak.

“The Order of Arts and Letters, established in 1957 by the French Minister of Culture, rewards those who, through their ongoing engagement and creativity, have helped develop the arts and literature in France and throughout the world,” according to the Medailles Officielles website.

“I feel extremely honoured and humbled by such a prestigious Decoration,” Pretty wrote as she shared a video of the moment on Twitter.

Other prestigious awards include an award from the South African government ‘The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver’ for her excellent achievement and international acclaim in the field of world of opera and for serving as a role model to aspiring young musicians.

And more recently being a recipient of the Italian Knighthood, Ordine Stella d’Italia for her work in building extraordinary relations between Italy and other countries, making her the youngest South African ever awarded this accolade.

The sky is definitely not the limit for Pretty, and we can’t wait to see what else is in store for her!

Image: Instagram

The Joy from Kwa-Zulu Natal is spreading joy across the globe through their musical talent

Entertainment, Fused, Lifestyle, Local Entertainment , Stories of South Africa / December 13, 2022

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

When these five young men started their music group in 2018 while still in high school, they had no idea how far it was going to take them. Now, just four years later, they find themselves entertaining global audiences, and sharing a stage with the legendary American singer and actress, Jennifer Hudson.

@thejoyofficialmus

All we’re saying is tune into NBC on Tuesday 06.12! Thank you Jennifer Hudson for the experience.We love you! ❤️🌻

♬ original sound – thejoyofficialmusic

The quintet first started posting videos of their beautiful harmonies on YouTube, while in their school classrooms – the videos blew up as they grew more popular and started releasing more singing videos.

A few years later, The Joy now boasts over 400 thousand followers on Tik Tok, with a recent video even reaching over 4 million views.

@thejoyofficialmus

🤣Been a while !!!

♬ original sound – thejoyofficialmusic

Over the past few weeks, The Joy have released a brand-new single that showcases a deeper, richer side to their sound and appeared on one of the most iconic UK music television shows of the past three decades.

Titled “Egoli” their new single maintains the quintet’s roots in traditional Zulu music and modern acapella, but the Tiago Correia Paulo-produced track brings in Maskandi-influenced guitarwork and delicate production flourishes to create a truly wonderful listening experience.

On November 12th The Joy appeared on the iconic UK music show Later…with Jools Holland; it was for a one-off live recorded specially for Jool’s 30th Birthday Bash filmed at London’s Eventim Apollo.

They performed their debut single “Isencane Lengane” on an episode of the show that also featured Michael Kiwanuka, Mercury Prize winner, Benjamin Clementine, and Swedish sisters, First Aid Kit.

Just as their slogan says, life made them friends, music made them brothers – we can’t help but be inspired by their talent, hard work, and tenacity! They are Fuse Favorites, hands down!

#YearOnTikTok celebrates creativity, trends, creators, movements and moments, powered by the South African community

Entertainment, Local Entertainment  / December 7, 2022

• TikTok takes a retrospective look at the hottest moments and trends on the platform with

• Eight awards across Sub-Saharan Africa will be awarded through TikTok’s inaugural

• #TopCreator2022 awards voting opens from 16 December 2022.

07 December 2022: The end of the year is fast approaching, and for community-driven entertainment destination, TikTok, the moment calls for a rewind ‒ a retrospective look at the hottest moments and trends on the platform with #YearOnTikTok. The platform entered 2022 on a high note, having reached the 1-billion-user benchmark during the latter part of 2021. From the rise in subcultures like #BookTok to the introduction of the first-ever public-voted ‘TikTok Viral Song of the Year’ award in partnership with the South African Music Awards, 2022 was a “year of impact.”

These were the words of Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Programming SubSaharan Africa, who commented that: “what happens on TikTok doesn’t stay on TikTok ‒ whether you’re building a brand, showcasing talent or using the platform as a vehicle for selfexpression, we’ve seen creators realising tangible, real-world benefits of creating content on the platform.”

Sidwaba says that this was true in instances where we saw creators addressing pivotal, global issues such as climate change and interacting with communities in a way that is authentic, raw and creative. But, we also saw this play out on the lighter side of things, with TikTok being used as an entertainment destination for heart-warming humour.

“In the examples of the top-performing content, this year lies a clear illustration of the fact that TikTok is for everyone, everywhere. This is something that we are proud of and will take into the new year as we continue to grow and develop as a platform for discovery, creativity and community.”

TikTok Chief Operating Officer, Vanessa Pappas said: “We’re honoured to celebrate our global community who shaped this year’s trends, shared new ideas, learned from one another, and turned their passions into careers and livelihoods throughout 2022. It’s been truly inspiring to see over a billion people around the world show their creativity and come together to experience joy and find a sense of belonging on TikTok”.

Now for the exciting stuff

Celebrating #YearOnTikTok, TikTok South Africa puts the spotlight on the hottest, most happening TikTok trends of the past year. In no particular order, they are:

Breakthrough Stars: 2022’s groundbreaking creators, celebrities and artists

The year had its fair share of emerging content creators who were destined for superstardom. Amongst these were talented vocalists, dancers and other creators who used the platform to showcase their unique talents. We were both humbled and honoured to see such a rich and diverse mix of talent coming through on the platform this year and really making it big. These were some of South Africa’s favourites:

  1. @s.eemah_ – always telling it like it is using humour
  2. @deemrsbee – getting down with Mrs Bee
  3. @moghelingz – getting down with talented Moghelingz
  4. @itskamo_ – a dance trio that took over our FYPs with fresh moves to trending sounds. They
    grew hundreds of thousands of followers this year
  5. @mandznothot – emerging star Mandisa Jakavula, jumps on a trending sound
  6. @miss_hilary – celebrating the traditional Xibelani with Miss Hilary
  7. @robot_boii_rsa – Robot Boii going “Roboto” on Mzansi

FYFaves: The most popular videos of 2022
TikTok’s ‘For You’ feed provides users with a curated offering of content that is tailored to their unique browsing preferences. Every ‘For You’ feed is different, ensuring that TikTok users are served the content they want to see, when they want to see it. Check out the videos that made this year’s leading list on ‘For You’ feeds across South Africa:

  1. @alphi_sipho – konkaring at KONA with Mam’Sbosh
  2. @bafanamthembu3 – local fashion trendsetter. Bhinca Cool
  3. @godsbutler – Vlogger taking us through his day in a South African township
  4. @thembiseete1– legendary songstress, actress and Idols South Africa judge, Thembi Seete
    reveals one of her Idols’ Looks and details from behind-the-scenes
  5. @bontle_ba_afrika – one of SA’s top dancers and choreographers dancing to Big Flexa – Costa
    Titch
  6. @oskidoibelieve – producer and award-winning musician who has taken over South African
    TikTok with Sis Judy
  7. @primo9teen – Primo adds a humorous twist to a global music trend

The Hitmakers South Africa: Most viewed artists on TikTok
From homemade beats to golden oldies and musical classics, TikTok is the platform to be on if
you want to keep abreast of the biggest movements on the music scene. The following were the
artists that made it big on TikTok this year:

  1. Pabi Cooper
  2. Makhadzi
  3. Mr Jazziq
  4. Uncle Waffles
  5. EBucs
  6. Quality Biyela
  7. Owami Mafokate
  8. Lloyiso
  9. Oskido
  10. Vusi Nova

The Playlist: The songs that soundtracked 2022
Music remained the mainstay of TikTok in 2022, with breakthrough artists using the platform to find their voice and the world’s most renowned singers, producers and musical artists using the platform to showcase their latest and greatest. The following is a list of the music that trended on TikTok among South African audiences:

  1. Bafo (feat. Sizwe Alakine, K-Zaka, Djy Ma’Ten, Djy Zan SA, Djy Biza & M.J) by Mr.JazziQ
  2. SETE (feat. Young Stunna & Blxckie) by K.O
  3. Sofa Silahlane by Wanitwa Mos & Master KG & Lowsheen
  4. uMlando (feat. Sir Trill, Sino Msolo, Lady Du, Young Stunna and Slade) by 9umba & TOSS &
    Mdoovar
  5. Trigger by Dj Karri
  6. Ketseng by Felo Le Tee & DBN Gogo & MJ
  7. Buga (Lo Lo Lo) by Kizz Daniel & Tekno
  8. Manca by Felo Le Tee & Toss
  9. Hamba Wena by Deep London & Boohle
  10. Salary Salary by Robot Boii & Mellow & Sleazy & Soul Revolver

Only on TikTok: Trends powered by creative effects, sounds and other product features
TikTok knows no limits when it comes to creativity, and its communities took theirs to new heights this year, powered by the tools and features that are unique to the platform. These were the videos that featured elements that are unique to TikTok:

  1. @stunningmaze – the use of make-up effect and transition to reveal a new red carpet outfit
  2. @chila_and_matevhu – the Unhappy Effect
  3. @jessicamashaba20 – the Thriller Effect
  4. @kayurinthirushanvg – SoftieCam By huseyincanxs
  5. @laurenandlaratiktok – Freeze Frame Effect
  6. @da_future7 – Double Layers Effect

Big Little Communities: Popular subcultures and niche communities
One of the things that our users have come to know and love about TikTok is the enabling environment it provides for the emergence of niche communities and subcultures. These were some of the communities that captured the imagination of South Africans this year:

  1. @kimpinkillustration – children’s books illustrator, Kimpink, working on her ameloen Super
    hero character #BookTok
  2. @.lachief – tech and #Appreviews
  3. @exclusivebooks – partner, Exclusive Books took on the #BookTok challenge

TikTok Taught Me: Lessons and life hacks powered by TikTok trends and features
2022 saw TikTok being used to entertain and inspire, but also to inform. Its immense value as an educational platform was clear in the overwhelming popularity of videos that provided users with quick and easy life hacks and bite-sized lessons. These were some of the most popular videos in this category:

  1. @triciampisi – learning the difference between DRC and Congo Brazzaville
  2. @doctor.siya – World Famous Doctor teaches about eye health myths
  3. @missangler – amazing Biology teacher, MissAngler, teaches how to study exam questions
  4. @connie_ferguson – iconic actress, Connie Furguson teaches dance moves to one lege
  5. @coachela.randy – learning the basics of skincare

Eats on Repeat: #FoodTok trends and other favourites
On TikTok, nothing captures the hearts and minds of South Africans more than food-related content, with pro chefs, amateur gastronomists and all-round foodies taking to the platform to showcase their culinary creations. These were the recipes and food hacks that made it to the top of menu:

  1. @yo.meal – student Chef Keso makes a South African corn dog
  2. @yungearn – food blogger vists most popular braai + Zulu cultural hub – Kwa Mai Mai
  3. @mfaniruthymiti – Chef creator teaches how to make wings
  4. @natheerah_solomon – a simple 4-ingredient dessert
  5. @4king_fantasties – self-taught chef takes a spin at 2min noodles with an Afrikaans narration

Best programmed TikTok LIVE
TikTok LIVE dominated the scene with some great LIVE music performances, social change discussions and social events.

  1. @thesamas_ – the 28th South African Music Awards and Red Carpet
  2. @lloyiso – #Love – Valentines Day Live
  3. @themktshow – the MKT Show African Cup of Nations Watchalongs
  4. @azz_iad & @mentallyawareng – Mental Health Awareness Campaign
  5. @tiktok.southafrica – Easter Music Live with Dr Rebecca Malope –
  6. @mowalolatv – Mowalola SS23 “Burglar Wear” show

Creator of the Year award: This is your chance to vote
Last but not least, for the first time ever, TikTok will be awarding content creators across SubSaharan Africa through their inaugural TikTok #TopCreator2022 awards. For this momentous celebration, the platform is calling on all TikTok users throughout the region to vote for their favourite content creator who will stand a chance to be crowned TikTok #TopCreator2022 or TopCreator2022 runner up for South Africa. Furthermore, the nominated creators will battle it out to earn the crown Creator of the Year title for the whole Sub-Saharan African region.

Public voting will open on TikTok from midnight on 16 December until 23:59 on 23 December. Nominees will be announced on the TikTok Africa newsroom.

Sidwaba concludes: “as a platform, we are going into 2023 strong, with a solid head start on the hottest topics and trends that are capturing the attention of the world and the country at large. We’re excited to find out what lies ahead and remain committed to developing TikTok in a way that provides a safe and secure online environment for self-expression, fun and of course, fame. Here’s to another year of remarkable content.”

Join the #YearOnTikTok Retrospective LIVE

Join popular creators @Azz_iad (Kenya), @I_am_tjan (Nigeria) and @Sphokuhle_n (South Africa) on TikTok Live on the 23rd of December 2022 (6 pm WAT /7 pm CAT / 8pm EAT). The funfilled chat hosted on the @TikTok.Africa account will take us back in time to all the creative, entertaining, inspiring, musical, and heartfelt moments that were shared on TikTok this year – looking at inspiring creativity and bringing joy this festive season.

Close Bitnami banner
Bitnami