Star 2024-12-24

Multi-award-winning musician Anatii has kicked off his latest artistic chapter with the release of Boom SZN. Released under Larry Jackson and Ike Youssef’s gamma., the highly-anticipated 14-track album features rap icon Busta Rhymes, along with emerging artists such as Baby S.O.N, Yumbs and AL XAPO, among others. According to a statement: Boom SZN is much more than just a collection of songs, it’s a celebration of life itself, blending the vibrant rhythms of amapiano with the raw energy of hip-hop and the smooth nuances of soulful R&B. “It is all tied together by the unmistakable Bushman Sound. It’s more than an album; it’s a statement, an invitation to step into Anatii’s world where everything is booming -from beats and vibes to aspirations and triumphs,” it read. Speaking on the…

South African DJ and producer Echo Deep, born Tshepo Molefe, is on the verge of unveiling his fourth studio album, Music In My Life, set for release on January 24. This fresh offering encapsulates tranquillity and a passion for house music, infused with jazzy sounds and rich African percussion that echo his deeply personal connections. As he embarks on another chapter of his illustrious career, Echo Deep invites listeners on a transformative journey, one that celebrates his artistry and the universal language of music. Growing up in a vibrant musical environment, Echo Deep found music to be an integral part of his identity, serving as a release for his emotions and an avenue to forge connections. “I am grateful for the love and support from my fans ... ,” he…

Near the end of each year, music people scribble out lists of their favourite songs then take a few steps back to squint at the rankings. Is there any kind of theme in there? A unifying essence? A through line? A lasso we can throw around it all? After much squinting at the list below, I’ve arrived at “Nope.” Maybe disorder is the theme? At the end of a dizzying year, here are my favourite songs of 2024. 10. Pet Shop Boys: Why Am I Dancing? “Why am I dancing when I’m so alone?” Neil Tennant asks during the regal jounce of this standout track from Nonetheless, the Pet Shop Boys’ brilliantly titled 15th studio album. Sung with trademark lucidity, Tennant’s question – about the familiar paradox of communion and…

Blake Lively has received support from Colleen Hoover in the wake of her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. The 37-year-old actress has taken legal action against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, accusing him of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign against her. Hours after her complaint was made public, the 45-year-old author –who wrote the novel the movie is based on – took to her Instagram Story to heap praise on the “honest, kind (and) supportive” star. Hoover shared a photo of herself and Lively hugging at a screening of the movie and, alongside a link to The New York Times’ article on the situation, wrote: “@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly…

News of the death of legendary South African actress Michelle Botes, 63, sent shockwaves throughout the country as her colleagues, friends and loved ones paid tribute to her. The actress had a two and a half year battle with advanced multiple myeloma, a rare, incurable type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. The SABC released a statement expressing its deep sadness by the passing of the renowned actress. Botes was a household name, celebrated for her unforgettable portrayal of the iconic villain Cherel de Villiers-Haines in the SABC3 soapie Isidingo. “Her exceptional talent brought the character to life, captivating audiences across the nation and leaving an indelible mark on South African television,” said the broadcaster. Beyond Isidingo, Botes showcased her remarkable range in other SABC productions, including Family…

The Department of Basic Education’s (DBE’s) legal team is studying an infringement notice by the Information Regulator (IR), which ordered the department to pay an administrative fine of R5 million. According to the IR, the fine comes after the department failed to comply with an enforcement notice issued by the regulator on November 18, after finding the DBE contravened various sections of the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia). The enforcement notice had ordered the DBE to provide an undertaking “that it will not publish the results of the 2024 matriculants in the newspapers” within 31 days from the date on which the order was served. It also ordered that the department “must make these results available to the learners using methods that are compliant with Popia”. The regulator said…