Star 2025-12-30

2025’s music scene has been one for the books. Something for every mood and moment. We got a bit of everything and more. From amapiano giants to R&B storytellers and global icons making a comeback, this year’s releases had range, heart and most importantly, real replay value. Sure, we had more album drops, but these seven albums stood out for different reasons: the penmanship, the production, impact or how they shaped the conversations online and in real life. These are the projects that truly defined 2025 in no particular order: 1. Shekhinah - Less Trouble Shekhinah’s return was long-awaited and her album reminded everyone why she is one of the country’s most consistent storytellers. Fans knew she would release her third project but what they didn’t know was when it…

Tyla has become synonymous with breaking records, and her latest sees her dethroning the iconic late South African singer Miriam Makeba, whose legacy on the chart has stood for decades, with Pata Pata peaking at number 12. The 23-year-old singer has officially made Billboard history. With the debut of her latest hit single Chanel on the US Billboard Hot 100, the multi-award-winning star now holds the record for the most solo entries on the chart by an African female artist. Chanel entered the Hot 100 at number 94, landing on the final chart of 2025 and marking Tyla’s third solo appearance. Her 2023 breakout hit Water remains her highest peak so far, reaching number 7, while Push 2 Start previously charted at number 88. Three solo entries on the…

Where are the TLC fans hiding? More specifically, the 90 Day Fiancé crowd who swear they’re “just watching one episode” and then suddenly it’s 2am and their life choices are under review. Because if you’ve been following Chantel Everett’s saga, you already know the tea has never been lukewarm; it’s always boiling. Everett and Pedro Jimeno’s relationship was one of the franchise’s messiest slow burns. What started as long-distance love quickly spiralled into family feuds, cultural clashes and enough side-eyes to fuel multiple spinoffs. By the end, many viewers were genuinely hoping the chaos was scripted, because surely no one lives like that on purpose. Post-divorce, Everett somehow remained firmly glued to the TLC universe. Why? Because messy reality TV is her brand, and we keep watching. Growth is great,…

South African politician Fikile Mbalula has recently shared his Top 10 songs of the year on social media, giving fans an insight into his music taste. Taking to his platform, he wrote: “This year was a great year in the music scene, and our artists produced really great music. There are so many songs I enjoyed this year, and am sure many of you did.” Mbalula’s list begins with Abantwana Bakho by DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small and Xduppy. The song has been a commercial hit, reaching over 30 million streams on Spotify and topping the South African Apple Music Songs Chart this year. Dlala Ka Yona by DJ Maphorisa, Enny Man Da Guitar and Xduppy is another track on the list. Part of the album Rough Dance, it features…

After the massive floods in Centurion on December 21, the area has been left with countless potholes and damaged infrastructure, but in true South African spirit, the rebuild has begun with some good humour thrown in. Tragically, there were a number of deaths reported as a result of the floods – a delivery driver drowned as well as two members of the public who were trapped in the vehicle as they were swept away in the Hennops River. It’s not unusual for flooding in Centurion during the rainy summer season, and the majority of the residents get on with their daily routines during the festive season. On Theuns van Niekerk Street in Roohuiskraal North, a recurring pothole has once again opened up. By the end of the rainy season, it…

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has submitted a formal complaint to the Public Protector, requesting an investigation into possible abuse of state resources by former Minister Dion George and his former staff. The complaint names George’s former advisor and acting chief of staff, Shelton Mollentze, and the Minister’s then-personal assistant, Traverse le Goff. In a statement issued by the department, it said that the complaint was lodged after Aucamp assumed office, during which he became aware of an investigation into his private business affairs. Aucamp said he felt the investigation appeared to be politically motivated and aimed at falsely linking him to the lion breeding industry, with which he has no association. “I will not shy away from my duty as minister and will act…