Culture Craze
Celeb round-up: Makhadzi reclaims the stage, Music Pulse shifts gears, Rachel Kolisi speaks out
Some weeks in entertainment feel louder than others. This one came with emotion, reinvention, and more than a few talking points across South African timelines.
From a packed stadium in Limpopo to a rebranded podcast studio and a deeply personal documentary preview, here is what had everyone talking.
Makhadzi’s comeback lights up Thohoyandou
When Makhadzi stepped onto the stage in Thohoyandou for her first performance of 2026, it was more than just another show. It marked her return after the car accident she suffered in December.
Fans packed the stadium and welcomed her back with the kind of energy only Mzansi can deliver. Videos from the night quickly made their way onto social media, showing the award-winning star moving across the stage with the same fire and stamina that built her name.
For many supporters, the moment felt personal. This was not just a comeback; it was resilience in real time. The cheers said it all.
Piano Pulse becomes Music Pulse, and Nota steps in
In podcast land, change is in the air. The popular and often controversial show Piano Pulse has officially rebranded to Music Pulse.
The announcement came during a live reshuffle event on YouTube on 24 February, where it was also revealed that music producer Nota Baloyi would be joining as a host.
The shift signals a wider focus. Instead of centring mainly on amapiano, the show now plans to explore multiple genres, including hip hop, gospel, house, Afro house, and maskandi.
For a country with one of the most diverse music scenes on the continent, broadening the conversation feels like a natural next step. Whether this new direction calms or fuels the debates the show is known for remains to be seen.
Rachel Kolisi chooses the harder road
Rachel Kolisi has given fans a glimpse into her upcoming documentary, Falling Forward, and the tone is deeply reflective.
In a video shared on Instagram, she speaks candidly about the cost of self-sacrifice. She says she has sacrificed her mental, emotional, and physical health for too long and has chosen a longer, harder path focused on healing.
It is a striking shift in narrative. For years, Rachel has been seen through the lens of philanthropy, family, and public life alongside Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. This preview suggests a more personal and vulnerable chapter, one centred on reclaiming her own well-being.
The reaction online has largely been supportive, with many praising her honesty and openness about mental health.
Love, loss, and life in the spotlight
Reality television couple Siza Dlamini and Slindile Nibe from The Ultimatum SA have announced their separation. In a joint statement shared online, they described the decision as amicable and said they felt it was important to inform supporters who followed their journey.
Musician Danya Devs, whose real name is Sphelele Dunywa, recently laid his mother to rest and thanked supporters who stood by him. He shared that he honoured her in the way she raised him, through music and dance.
Benni McCarthy also took to Instagram to celebrate his wife Stacey McCarthy’s birthday, posting a heartfelt message alongside a throwback photo.
Meanwhile, American comedian Tiffany Haddish faced criticism online after comments made during an appearance on the Seven Elements podcast about women who have children with multiple partners. The remarks sparked debate across social media.
New beginnings and global moments
Nunurai Mudarikwa from The Mommy Club surprised fans by announcing her second pregnancy on Instagram. After keeping the news private for months, she was met with congratulatory messages from fellow celebrities and followers.
Across the Atlantic, Siya Kolisi enjoyed a New York getaway and shared that he met Alicia Keys backstage after attending her Broadway show Hell’s Kitchen. He even invited her to visit South Africa.
Mihlali Ndamase has also been serving travel content from Paris, calling it one of her favourite destinations. From fashion moments to classic Eiffel Tower snapshots, her followers have had a front-row seat to her latest escape. She was recently in Turkey as well, attending Istanbul Fashion Connection 2026.
If there is one thread connecting all these stories, it is movement. Comebacks, rebrands, healing journeys, separations, celebrations, and new chapters.
In a country where public figures often carry the weight of expectation, this week reminded us that growth sometimes happens in full view of the world.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: the journalist dj
