#RIPConnieChiume: A look into Connie Chiume’s most iconic fashion moments
|Published
South African veteran actress Connie Chiume has sadly passed away at the age of 72.
According to a statement released by her family, the multi-award-winning actress passed away at Garden City Hospital on Tuesday, August 6.
Chiume started her showbiz career in 1977 as a singer, touring Israel and Greece with the musical group Sola Sola.
She then transitioned to an actress in her youth, acting on shows like “Jewel,” “Stokvel,” “Thula’s Vine” and “Inkoma Edla Yodwa”, to name a few.
She was also part of “Yizo Yizo”, and the millennials got to know her better in “Zone 14”, where she played the role of Stella Moloi.
In 2007, she joined “Rhythm City”, playing the role of Mamokete Khuse, a caring family woman who was a mother to the whole community.
“I will always remember Mme Connie Chiume for her role as Mamokete Khuse on ”Rhythm City“! She was phenomenal. She dedicated her entire being to her craft and was a mentor to so many incredible and seasoned SA Actors and Actresses we see on our screens today!” commented content creator @Tshoki_Moses.
As her career grew, Chiume featured in several international roles, including Beyoncé’s “Black Is King”, “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”.
The industry icon also known for nailing the villain role of Sonto on “Gomora” has left a remarkable statement not only in the film industry but also in the fashion industry because she supported South African designers.
To celebrate the legendary actress we look at some of her iconic fashion moments.
Looking golden at the “Kings of Joburg” premiere
When Chiume stepped out, she showed up in style.
At the “Kings of Joburg” premiere in January this year, the actress dazzled in a Zamaswazi gold dress and a matching purse. The lit the red carpet and everyone couldn’t resist how gorgeous she looked.
Pretty in Imprint
Chiume loved supporting fellow actors and she also made sure to wear local designs. At the “1802” screening in May last year, she rocked a black and white Imprint dress and a matching hat, completing the look with red tassel earrings for more flair.
Forever supporting South African designers
Like many South Africans, Chiume was proud of her country and took the South African flavour everywhere. At the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” press tour in California, she wore strictly South African designers.
At Hollywood Boulevard, where she met other African creatives, including Nomzamo Mbatha and Burna Boy, she looked ravishing in a gold dress with bishop sleeves and a matching ischolo, (Zulu traditional hat) by Scalo Designer.
In Los Angeles, she rocked her favourite designer, Zamaswazi. Chiume looked radiant in a black, bouncy, ruffled tulle skirt with an orange African print 3D top.
Her colleagues in the entertainment industry remember her as a well-spoken lady who didn’t care much about glamour but still looked glamorous anyway because she was effortlessly cool like that.
South African presenter Felicia Mabuza posted: “Sad to learn about the passing of an icon and legend #ConnieChiume. Brought back these words she said on the #FeliciaShow. She said, ‘I didn't come here for glamour or money. I believe in this thing called, a calling. God has called me to be where I am.’ Profound. RIP Diva!”
Details of her burial have yet to be confirmed by the family.