For members of the Mzansi Youth Choir, performing at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony was a significant moment in the group’s journey. The choir had the opportunity to represent South Africa at the event alongside Grammy-winning singer Tyla.

The choir joined Tyla during the opening festivities surrounding South Africa’s opening World Cup match against Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The performance formed part of the tournament launch, with FIFA hosting opening celebrations across Mexico, Canada and the United States. Tyla had been announced as one of the headline performers selected to represent South African talent during the tournament’s opening events.

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Reflecting on the experience, members of the choir spoke about what it meant to perform at an event watched by football fans around the world. Sharing the stage with Tyla gave them the opportunity to be part of a global sporting occasion while representing South African music and culture.

The build-up to the performance involved extensive rehearsals, coordination with international production teams and adapting to the scale of a global sporting event. For many choir members, performing in a stadium known for hosting major football matches added to the significance of the occasion.

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The performance drew attention to the presence of South African artists at one of the world’s most widely watched sporting events. Over the past few years, Tyla has become one of the country’s most recognisable music stars, and her involvement in the World Cup opening celebrations attracted significant interest from fans both at home and abroad. FIFA promoted her appearance as part of a diverse line-up designed to showcase talent from different parts of the world.

While South African fans were eager to see more of Tyla and the Mzansi Youth Choir during the broadcast, social media users reacted positively to seeing local performers featured during the ceremony. Photos and clips from the event quickly circulated online, generating conversation among supporters following the opening celebrations.

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For the choir, the experience extended beyond the performance itself. It offered an opportunity to connect with artists, performers and audiences from around the world while representing South Africa on an international platform.

Looking back on the event, the Mzansi Youth Choir can reflect on a performance at one of the world’s most-watched sporting occasions. Sharing the stage with Tyla at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony marked an important milestone for the group as it continues to perform for audiences across the globe.

Mihlali Ndamase has drawn huge attention after being seen together with Nigerian footballer Tolu Arokodare during the Monaco Grand Prix. The South African shared some photos of her trip to Monaco, while social media users noticed that the striker was with her at some locations. This has sparked renewed dating speculation that have followed the pair for some time.

The latest speculation began after photos and videos online showed Ndamase and Arokodare spending time aboard a luxury yacht during the Formula One activities. Ndamase appeared in a blue dress by the designer label Lindym, while Arokodare was seen in a simple white sleeveless vest paired.  When the pictures circulated on social media, many people speculated that the two were in an intimate relationship.

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The Monaco trip also coincided with content shared by both personalities on their respective social media accounts. Arokodare posted photographs from the Grand Prix weekend, while Ndamase uploaded images from her stay in Monaco. This further fuelled online discussions about whether their relationship extends beyond friendship. Neither party, however, has confirmed any romantic involvement.

Read Also: Nomzamo Mbatha and Mihlali Ndamase at the Monaco Grand Prix with Other South African Stars

The rumours have been around since May 2025 when fans linked Ndamase and Arokodare following a series of social media reports that they were in Dubai together. Ndamase’s public support for the footballer contributed to speculation.

At the time of earlier reports, Arokodare stated he was single and that the reports were false. He advised his followers to stop the rumours.

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The report has also referenced Arokodare’s past relationship with Zimbabwean influencer Pamela Mlunjwana. Following the renewed rumours, Mlunjwana publicly expressed frustration at being mentioned in stories involving her former partner and Ndamase.

Their relationship status remains unclear. While their pictures together in Monaco have provided fresh material for online speculation, there is no confirmed evidence they are dating

The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix lived up to its reputation as an exclusive event. This is where sports meets fashion and celebrity culture. Nomzamo Mbatha and Mihlali Ndamase lead South African entertainers present at the race. Also at the race were Zamani Mbatha, Ama Qamata and Nqobile Khwezi.

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Nomzamo Mbatha, known for her role in Shaka iLembe  was invited to the House 44 Paddock Club to experience Lewis Hamilton’s Mission initiative. The programme gives opportunities to young people. Mbatha was there as part of her advocacy work.

Mbatha attended key paddock events and also engaged in hospitality experiences that brought top entertainment figures. Her fashion choices fit into Monaco’s well established reputation.

Read Also: Zozibini Tunzi Rallies African Pride Ahead of Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 Finale

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Mihlali Ndamase was also at the Grand Prix weekend. Her Instagram page from Monaco showed luxury yachts, waterfront settings, and exclusive event spaces of the race. As one of South Africa’s popular influencers, her presence shows the importance of  digital creators in the entertainment space.

Ndamase’s trip also became a trending topic online after she was seen spending time with Nigerian footballer Tolu. While neither addressed the attention directly, the moment added further visibility to her Monaco appearance and contributed to ongoing online discussions.

Photo: Instagram

Also spotted at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix were Zamani Mbatha, Ama Qamata and Nqobile Khwezi. Zamani met Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda, while Ama experienced her first Grand Prix as a guest of Audi. Nqobile, representing SuperSport Africa.

Photo: Instagram

The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix attracted celebrities from film and  fashion industries. The appearance of Nomzamo Mbatha and Mihlali Ndamase, and other South African Stars shows how appealing the event is to global celebrities.