Celebrity Archives - Page 2 of 17

Ama Qamata and Dee Koala encapsulate “All That You Are” in a new adidas Sportswear campaign

South Africa, 21 February 2023: Following the successful global launch of the new adidas Sportswear category featuring Jenna Ortega, the South African campaign sees a collective of local adidas partners coming together to celebrate a comfort-first mindset and the power of self-expression with World Renowned actress Ama Qamata and Award-Winning Rapper Dee Koala.

The campaign takes on a comedic and lighted hearted approach showcasing how actress, fitness enthusiast and garden lover, Ama Qamata shows up in different facets of her life revealing her unexpected sides, while Dee Koala is seen warming up and getting ready for a run, reading and throwing a few verses from one of her songs – aligning with what adidas Sportswear symbolizes with how the next generation is showing up in the world.

“All That You Are is a reminder that we all have the ability to tap into greatness when we find comfort in who we are. In the campaign I am wearing an iconic Tiro tracksuit that can be remixed to create a unique look or remain subtle depending on what I’ve planned out for the day, and what my mood feels like”. says Ama Qamata

Offering sport-inspired pieces built with comfort at its core, the new line is fronted by AVRYN and Tiro Suit to level up the wearer’s style for the everyday, the collection offers specific performance technologies through simple cutlines, colorways and stripped back design details, with comfort running through its every fiber.

Speaking on her involvement in the campaign, Dee Koala shared “As a performer I’m always looking for clothing that allows me to be at my full potential on and off the stage, and in that way I’m able to give my full potential. I express myself through music and on days when I need motivation, I go for a run to rediscover myself. I’m excited for this collaboration and seeing how one outfit can come alive in different styles”.

adidas Sportswear range is available to shop at adidas stores and at adidas.co.za. Follow the conversation on Instagram @adidasZA using the following hashtags #adidasSportswear

The untimely passing of Zakes Bantwini’s father

Sihlangusihle Jeffrey Khanyile, father of Grammy nominated recording artist Zakes Bantwini (Zakhele Madida) died Wednesday night, January 4 around 9pm at his homestead eNkandla north of Kwa-Zulu Natal. He was 65 years old at the time of his untimely death. Mr Khanyile leaves behind his wife and nine children.

“We are devastated by the loss of our father,” his children said in a joint statement. “We will miss his sense of humour, his resilience and how he always made sure we follow our culture. He will be deeply missed for his kindness and loving nature.”

Zakes’ wife, Nandi Madida, shared a tribute to her late father-in-law in a heartfelt Instagram post. “I am eternally grateful by the kindness you showed me as your daughter in law, you truly made me feel like your daughter in love. You had a wicked sense of humour that we will miss dearly, thank you for making me feel like family and welcoming me so warmly. You are with your creator now.”

The family asks for prayers and privacy during this difficult time.

Zakes Bantwini is crowned GQ’s Musician of The Year

– ‘I’m filled with so much gratitude and joy at what my team and I have been able to achieve this year’

Zakes Bantwini’s winning streak has been a site to behold. This weekend, the Grammy nominated DJ and music producer continued on this streak and added to his growing trophy cabinet when he was crowned Musician of the Year at GQ’s Men of the Year awards ceremony on Saturday evening. While Bantwini was unable to attend due to a prior commitment, his wife Nandi Madida claimed the award on his behalf.

“Thank you to GQ for recognising me as Musician of the Year,” says Bantwini. “It feels so special to have been able to achieve such a feat twenty years into my career. I’m filled with so much gratitude and joy at what my team and I have been able to achieve this year. Now we’re looking forward to the All Africa Music Awards and the Grammys next year. We aren’t done yet!”

GQ SOUTH AFRICA

Since “Osama” breathed new life into the veteran dance icon’s career towards the end of 2021, Bantwini has been gobbling up awards, touring the world and re-establishing himself as a force once again. Just three weeks ago he won the award for Best Viral Hit at the South African Social Media Awards (SASMAs). That comes after he won two South African Music Awards (SAMAs) for Highest Airplay and Best Collaboration in August.

Sibo Mhlungu, Zakes’ manager and business partner adds: “GQ is an aspirational platform that’s known as a benchmark for quality and class. To be recognised on this platform is once again a reminder that we’re doing something right internally. Big shout out to our team at IMG Africa and everyone who’s been supporting us this year. We’re proud to be closing off the year so strongly and excited for what 2023 has in store.”

TXC TAKES OVER THE BUD WORLD CLUB IN DOHA

The TxC duo conquer the world’s biggest stage alongside Lil Baby during FIFA World Cup™ festivities

The TxC DJs (Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke) proved once again that the ‘World Is Yours To Take’ on the Bud World Club stage in Doha last night alongside American rapper, Lil Baby. The pair blew the international crowd away with the electrifying sounds of SA’s biggest music breakthrough, Amapiano, and highly charged dance moves – Mzansi style.

As the official beer of the FIFA World Cup™, TxC has been invited by Budweiser to shine a spotlight on their barrier-breaking talent during FIFA World Cup™ events in Doha and Dubai.

“It was truly something else to look into the crowd and seeing people from every corner of the world dance to our set. It was truly special. We are so thankful for the opportunity to not only connect with so many different cultures, but to continue to seize our greatness and live our dreams,” said Tarryn and Clairise.

Today, the Amapiano duo will jet off to Dubai as headline artists of the BUDX FIFA Fan Fest, at the picturesque Dubai Harbour.

Check out their Instagram pages for more information:

TxC: @____.txc.____

Tarryn Reid: @tarryn.txc

Clairise Hefke: @clairise.txc

Zakes Bantwini speaks on historic Grammy nomination

— ‘We manifested this moment’

There’s little doubt that Zakes Bantwini is in his moment. Not only has the veteran dance DJ and producer been enjoying a career year off the back of his two mammoth hit singles, “Osama” and “Imali”, he’s also successfully launched his new company Independent Media Group Africa (IMG Africa) with business partner and manager Sibo Mhlungu.

Now, in the ultimate culmination of this success, Zakes recently earned his first Grammy Award nomination for “Bayethe”, his magnetic collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode. “I was having a lunch meeting with Sibo when he got the news that we’d been nominated for a Grammy,” he recalls. “I couldn’t believe it. It was just such a beautiful moment that we’ll never forget. We put the meeting on hold and immediately called for some champagne to celebrate.”

Looking back at the process behind making the song, Zakes recalls how they specifically set out to make a song that was worthy of Grammy consideration. “When we met up with Wouter and his manager, Tholsi, at Marble a few months ago, we specifically intended to create a song that could potentially win a Grammy. We manifested it and we were very intentional about that. By God’s grace it all just came together so beautifully. I’m so happy and proud that we were able to manifest such a special moment.”

With awards season in full swing, Zakes has already bagged two South African Music Awards (Highest Airplay and Best Collaboration) and is primed for even more glory at the upcoming At All Africa Music Awards (Afrimas), which are widely regarded as the premiere award show on the continent. He’s nominated for several awards there, including the prestigious Artist of the Year gong. Sibo credits this success to hard work and a team effort. “We’re all super humbled by the success that’s come these past few months,” he says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that all the time, commitment and team effort we are putting into the music is being recognised at the highest level. We can’t wait to start 2023 on a high note.”

Apart from the Grammy consideration, Zakes and the team are now looking forward to Zakes’ Mayonie Summer Block Party at The Playground, Braamfontein on Friday, which will see Zakes play host to the likes of Sun-El Musician and Shimza.