Media powerhouse Maria McCloy dies at 50 after heart failure.
Image: Instagram
It’s been another packed week in entertainment news, from heartbreaking losses and industry controversy to record-breaking concert moments
While the media industry mourned the death of fashion creative and media personality Maria McCloy, the local music scene was buzzing over "Scorpion Kings Live", selling thousands of tickets within a week.
Here are the stories that stood out:
Well-known media personality, Maria McCloy has passed away
Image: Supplied
Following her passing from heart failure, the South African entertainment industry is in mourning for Maria McCloy, a renowned fashion designer, publicist and DJ.
Her family confirmed that she passed away on Tuesday evening, May 12, at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.
McCloy built a respected career across music, fashion and media, becoming known for her work as both a creative and cultural tastemaker. Memorial and funeral details are yet to be announced.
Beyoncé gets justice after the man who stole her unreleased music was stolen from a rental car linked to her Cowboy Carter tour team.
Image: Instagram/Beyoncé
A man accused of stealing unreleased music linked to Beyoncé and her “Cowboy Carter” tour has now been sentenced.
Kelvin Evans accepted a plea agreement after pleading guilty to charges connected to the 2025 theft involving hard drives, laptops and other valuables stolen from a rental car used by members of Beyoncé’s tour team in Atlanta.
The stolen hard drives reportedly contained unreleased songs, set lists and production material tied to the tour.
Evans was sentenced to five years, with two years to be served in prison, while the remaining sentence will be under probation.
Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa's Scorpion Kings Live sells out in record time.
Image: Instagram
Amapiano giants Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa are officially on track to make history with “Scorpion Kings Live at FNB Stadium”.
The upcoming concert has already sold more than 70,000 tickets within a week, making it one of the biggest live music events South Africa has seen in years.
Fans flooded online queues when tickets dropped earlier this month, leading to frustration after the first batches sold out quickly.
Maphorisa later thanked supporters during an Instagram Live, explaining that the phased rollout was designed to accommodate different pay dates.
The team has since applied to release an additional 10,000 tickets as the show edges closer to the stadium’s long-standing attendance record.
Sol Phenduka meets Russell Simmons in Bali.
Image: Instagram
MacG and Sol Phenduka took “Podcast and Chill” global after travelling to Bali to interview American hip hop mogul Russell Simmons.
Clips from the trip went viral online, especially after Simmons appeared briefly confused when MacG greeted him in Sepedi during a video message directed at billionaire Patrice Motsepe.
Simmons later praised the South African podcast crew on Instagram, saying they discussed everything from hip hop and comedy to social and economic issues.
Phenduka also documented parts of the Bali trip on social media, joking about improving his fitness while spending time with Simmons at a wellness resort.
Kagiso Modupe responds to the backlash surrounding unpaid cast and crew members of the SABC2 telenovela 'Pimville'.
Image: File
Actor and filmmaker Kagiso Modupe has spoken out after days of backlash linked to unpaid cast and crew members working on the SABC2 telenovela “Pimville”.
The controversy intensified after reports claimed production had been disrupted over salary disputes involving actors, suppliers and crew.
In a lengthy video statement, Modupe denied being responsible for the financial management of the show, saying his role shifted to head director after contracts were finalised.
He claimed he repeatedly raised concerns internally once payment issues surfaced and later escalated the matter to the broadcaster.
Modupe also revealed that he has not been paid for his own directing work and confirmed he has since distanced himself from Bakwena Media Group as he focuses on relaunching under Modupe Studios.
Nomcebo Zikode dancing with the French President, Emmanuel Macron.
Image: Courtesy @emg.afrika
Nomcebo Zikode had a major international moment after performing at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, where French President Emmanuel Macron joined her on stage.
The Grammy-winning singer closed the “Inspire & Connect” Business Forum at the University of Nairobi with a performance that celebrated African culture and unity.
Zikode later shared how honoured she felt by the warm reception from Macron, saying the moment symbolised peace, collaboration and the power of music to connect people across nations.
Amapiano sensation Young Stunna is facing backlash for refusing to perform at a private graduation event.
Image: Instagram
Amapiano star Young Stunna has found himself trending after businessman St Paul Hagiazo accused him of refusing to perform at his daughter’s graduation celebration because the venue was “not full”.
According to Hagiazo, around 60 guests attended the private event, which was organised specifically for his daughter.
He claimed the incident left her heartbroken and embarrassed. At the time of publication, Young Stunna’s team had not publicly responded to the allegations.
Manaka Ranaka recently opened up about the heart-wrenching day she received the news of her daughter's death.
Image: X
Actress Manaka Ranaka shared emotional details about the day she learned of her daughter Katlego’s passing during a recent interview on Power FM.
Ranaka revealed that she was at work when she received a call from the hospital asking her family to come urgently.
She said she already felt uneasy that morning and later “lost it” after her mother confirmed the devastating news.
Since Katlego’s death in 2025, Ranaka has openly spoken about grief and the process of learning to live without her daughter.
North West performed at Rolling Loud, sparking ciriticism online.
Image: X
North West has sparked debate online following her surprise appearance at "Rolling Loud". The 12-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West performed an unreleased song alongside rapper Molly Santana.
While some social media users criticised her appearance at an adult-focused festival and questioned her styling choices, others defended her and argued that she should be allowed to explore her creativity.
The performance came shortly after the release of her debut EP “NOrth4evr”, which introduces a darker alternative rap sound.
Tyla, Katy Perry and Lisa are among performers announced for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Image: Instagram
South African superstar Tyla continues her global rise after Fifa confirmed she will perform during the 2026 Fifa World Cup opening celebrations.
Tyla is set to perform in Mexico City ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa before heading to Los Angeles for another ceremony alongside stars including Katy Perry, LISA, Rema and Future.
The announcement marks another major milestone for the Grammy-winning singer as football and music prepare to collide on one of the world’s biggest stages.