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Ilano Sky’s Time on ‘Big Brother Mzansi’ and the Shift in Trans Visibility
When the latest season of Big Brother Mzansi premiered in January 2026 under the theme “Bazozwa,” it introduced a new group of housemates. Among them, Ilano Sky soon became a noticeable presence for viewers across South Africa.
At 22, Ilano entered the house as the first openly transgender woman to compete in the programme’s history. Her participation marked a notable moment for the show and added to ongoing conversations about visibility in local entertainment.
Ilano arrived aware of the visibility that came with being the show’s first openly transgender housemate. Before entering the house, she prepared for the scrutiny that accompanies reality television and public attention. In interviews after the season began, she explained that she joined the competition with a sense of purpose, not a calculated strategy.
Ilano Sky – Instagram
Unlike contestants who focus heavily on alliances and gameplay tactics, Ilano chose authenticity. She showed little interest in manipulating storylines or creating a television persona. Her intention was to remain herself, avoiding turning the show into a strategic performance.
This approach contrasted with the confrontational style often associated with reality television. Instead of dominating the house through conflict or carefully planned alliances, Ilano became known for her everyday interactions with fellow housemates.
During her time in the house, she gained recognition for helping with routine tasks. She cooked meals, styled hair, assisted with make-up and supported other contestants during tense moments. These contributions shaped the social atmosphere inside the house.
Ilano Sky – Instagram
In a house built around competition, Ilano’s presence added a different energy to the group dynamic. Her actions were not presented as a strategy to win favour but reflected how she naturally interacted with people.
Ilano chose not to make her gender identity the central storyline of her time on the show. After her eviction, she explained that she never intended for her participation to be defined only by her identity as a transgender woman.
She said her goal was normalisation, not activism. Ilano wanted to compete, socialise and engage with other housemates without being reduced to a single label. In reality television, where minority contestants are sometimes framed mainly through identity narratives, that choice stood out.
Ilano Sky – Instagram
Her time in the house lasted seven weeks and ended just before the competition reached its Top 10 stage. Although she did not reach the final stretch of the game, her presence became one of the most discussed aspects of the season.
Online discussions among South African viewers often referenced her style, humour and openness. At the same time, her participation exposed tensions that still exist around representation on mainstream television. The season also included moments and remarks that some viewers considered insensitive, prompting debate across social media platforms.
Ilano Sky – Instagram
Following her exit, Ilano spoke about plans to build a career in acting, presenting and beauty work. She already had experience in hair styling and make-up, skills she used inside the house while helping fellow contestants prepare for events and diary sessions.
Her appearance on Big Brother Mzansi introduced a different form of representation on one of South Africa’s most watched entertainment platforms. Her time in the house continued to generate conversation after the season.
Ilano did not win the competition, but her participation marked a shift in representation within the show’s history.
French Montana is set to headline two shows in South Africa this December. This is part of the launch of AFROTRAX, a new live entertainment series. The rapper will perform in Cape Town on December 4 before heading to Johannesburg for a second show on December 5, 2026.
The events are organised by AFROTRAX in partnership with PLAYY. The Cape Town show takes place at The Ostrich Farm. It will start from 2pm until midnight. The Johannesburg event is at The Canvas. It begins at 1pm and ends at 11pm.
Born Karim Kharbouch, Montana songs include “Unforgettable” featuring Swae Lee, “No Stylist,” “Pop That” and “Ain’t Worried About Nothin’.” Over the years, he has worked with Drake, Cardi B, Post Malone and Chris Brown.
Photo: Getty Images
“Unforgettable,” released in 2017, was one of his top hits and it reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
American rapper B.o.B will be a special guest at both events. His songs are “Nothin’ on You,” featuring Bruno Mars, “Airplanes,” featuring Hayley Williams, and “Magic,” featuring Rivers Cuomo.
Read Also: Pack Your Bags! Swae Lee and French Montana Drop “SUITCASE”
South African artists will also feature prominently across the two dates. The Cape Town line-up includes Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, YoungstaCPT and 25K, alongside Jairic, Rarri, Kane as a DJ and Bassik.
The Johannesburg event will feature Cassper Nyovest, amapiano producer and DJ Kabza De Small, and rapper Blxckie. Lucasraps, Jairic, Rarri, K.Keed and Teddy Tumi are also scheduled to perform.
AFROTRAX says its events will offer a festival experience that extends beyond the headline performances, with music, food, lifestyle activations and hospitality options forming part of the programme.
Photo: Getty Images
The organisers have directed fans to PLAYY. Music for ticket access and latest updates about the event. Fans should consult the official ticketing platform before making arrangements.
The two shows will mark the launch of AFROTRAX in South Africa. With French Montana and B.o.B leading the international line-up, the events will bring American performers and South African artists together in December.
Nia Long has been honoured with the 2,857th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a major milestone in a career that has spanned more than three decades across film and television.
The actress was celebrated during a ceremony on Wednesday, September 16, where rapper Snoop Dogg and Michael producer Graham King served as guest speakers. Larenz Tate, Morris Chestnut, Tiffany Haddish, Mike Epps and Terrence Howard were among the stars who attended the event. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also declared September 16 Nia Long Day.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
For Long, the occasion brought back memories of visiting Hollywood Boulevard with her mother, Talita Long, when she was young. She recalled looking at the stars along the famous street before eventually seeing her own name added to the Walk of Fame decades later.
Long’s career gained wider attention with John Singleton’s 1991 film Boyz n the Hood. She went on to appear in films including Friday, Love Jones, The Best Man, Soul Food and Made in America. Her television credits include playing Lisa Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as well as roles in Third Watch, NCIS: Los Angeles, Empire, Dear White People and #blackAF.
Her recent work includes Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s biopic about Michael Jackson, in which Long plays Katherine Jackson. The role also reunited her with producer Graham King.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
During the ceremony, Snoop Dogg spoke about Long’s career and the importance of remaining true to herself in an industry where performers can face pressure to change. His appearance reflected the long-standing connections Long has built during her years in entertainment.
Long also used her speech to recognise the people who have supported her throughout her journey. She thanked God, her mother, her sons Massai and Kez, family members who have died and the women who have been part of her life.
She also reflected on her younger self, remembering the girl from Brooklyn with Caribbean roots who once questioned whether she could achieve the career she wanted.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
The Walk of Fame recognition comes as Long continues to work in film and television. She is set to reunite with her Love Jones co-star Larenz Tate in the upcoming Netflix romantic drama Don’t Ever Wonder, where she also serves as executive producer.
The actress is also working on a memoir, while another project with Ice Cube, Are They Gone Yet?, is in development. The pair previously worked together on Are We There Yet? and Are We Done Yet?.
Long’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star adds another significant milestone to a career that has included some of the most recognisable films and television shows of the past three decades.
Shekhinah has announced that she is now a mother. She shared the news through a series of maternity photographs online.
The Suited hitmaker posted images from a beachside maternity shoot. She wore a beaded white two-piece outfit with a lace veil while looking in the ocean at sunset. The photographs were credited to “Aunty Bebe.”
Shekhinah also shared a message dedicated to her daughter. She described her child as a blessing.
“We are so lucky to have you with us, baby girl. I am leaving these pictures here as a forever reminder of the magic that is pregnancy and a time stamp to when life changed forever for the better. By God’s grace, you are here and more precious@ than we could have asked for… happy three months to our favourite girl,”
Photo: Instagram/@Shekinahd
The announcement came three months after the birth, meaning Shekhinah kept her pregnancy secret. The child’s father’s name was not mentioned.
Read Also: Ciara Is Pregnant, Expecting Her Fifth Child With Russell Wilson
Her decision to share the news after the birth follows how private she is. While Shekhinah has a successful career in music, she has kept family matters to herself.
The maternity photographs attracted reactions from Bonang Matheba, Boity Thulo, DJ Zinhle, Natasha Thahane, Ayanda Thabethe and Lungile Thabethe.
Photo: Instagram/@Shekinahd
Her appearance on Idols SA made her popular. She established herself as a singer and songwriter with songs including “Suited,” “Please Mr.” and “Different.”
Her debut album, Rose Gold, became a multi platinum release in South Africa. Her second album, Trouble in Paradise earned Gold certification.
The singer’s motherhood announcement comes as a new chapter in her personal life. By choosing to reveal the news through selected maternity photographs, she has shown the world she can be open when need be.
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