Celebrity News
South Africa Mourns the Loss of Media and Cultural Icon Maria McCloy
South Africa’s entertainment industry and cultural sectors are mourning Maria McCloy, who died at the age of 50 after reportedly suffering heart failure in Johannesburg. Her family confirmed that she passed away on the evening of May 12 at Milpark Hospital. They described her as a “vibrant and creative soul” whose influence stretched beyond music.
McCloy was widely regarded as a pioneering cultural figure in post-apartheid South Africa. Over three decades, she built a reputation as a DJ and entrepreneur who helped promote urban youth culture in Johannesburg. She was recognised for her work in developing local music and African fashion.
Photo: Instagram
Born in the United Kingdom to a Mosotho mother and English father, McCloy became a prominent voice during the late 1990s and early 2000s. While studying at Rhodes University, she co-founded Black Rage Productions alongside Kutloano Skosana and Dzino. The multimedia company became influential for documenting Black urban culture through television, music and fashion content. Their projects included “Bassiq” and Channel O programmes that highlighted township music and street fashion.
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McCloy later transitioned into music publicity and artist management, working with Thandiswa Mazwai, Sjava, Nakhane and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. McCloy was also involved in Johannesburg’s nightlife and fashion industry. She used traditional fabrics and beadwork influenced by Tsonga, Zulu and Ndebele aesthetics.
Tributes from musicians and journalists flooded social media after news of her death broke. Kwaito group TKZee thanked McCloy for supporting them early in their career.
“You wrote the very first article published about us. Thank you for being a day-one believer and a foundation stone that shaped the “New South Africa’s” youth culture. Rest now Maria McCloy. Your race is run. Thank you for time and we’ll see you out there”
Photo: Instagram
A spokesperson for DIRCO, Chrispin Phiri, wrote on X,
“Our very own Maria Podesta. A cultural icon in many respects. Definitely gone too soon. Rest in Peace Maria McCloy”
Many viewed her as an unofficial ambassador of Johannesburg’s creative scene because of how closely she was associated with its nightlife, galleries and independent fashion scene. Commentators noted that her influence remains embedded in the sound and creative energy of modern Johannesburg.
McCloy is survived by her mother and sisters, Thandiwe and Natasha. Her family has asked for privacy during this period while funeral arrangements are being finalised.
French Montana is coming to South Africa this December for two headline performances marking the launch of AFROTRAX, a new live entertainment series. The US rapper will perform in Cape Town and Johannesburg on December 4 and 5.
French Montana will be at The Ostrich in Cape Town on Friday, December 4, 2026. The event will run from 2pm until midnight.
He will then travel to Johannesburg for a second performance at The Canvas on Saturday, December 5.
Photo: Instagram
AFROTRAX is a new live entertainment platform that aims to connect Africa’s creative community with international entertainment. The two concerts will officially launch the brand, with French Montana being the headline act.
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The organisers are presenting the concerts in partnership with PLAYY. Music. They have promised fans premium hospitality experiences.
French Montana, born Karim Kharbouch, has worked with top artists. His songs include Unforgettable featuring Swae Lee, No Stylist featuring Drake, Pop That featuring Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne, and Writing on the Wall, which features Cardi B, Post Malone and Rvssian.
Photo: Instagram
The organisers described the launch as an important moment for the new platform. They said:
“AFROTRAX represents a new chapter in African live entertainment. Launching the brand with French Montana is a significant milestone for us and the beginning of something much bigger,”
More details about the events, including additional programme information and other announcements, will be released closer to the December shows.
Tyla received the AfriPure International Achievement Award at the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
In 2024 Tyla won the award, but did not attend the event. She and Black Coffee have won the International Achievement Award twice. In her acceptance speech, Tyla said:
“Hello, South Africa!, I can’t even explain the feeling I have right now standing on this stage. This is my first time at the SAMAs,”
Tyla has won two American Music Awards in two categories: Best Afrobeats Artist and Social Song of the Year.
Photo: Getty Images
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After the award was presented, she invited Makhadzi, Cassper Nyovest, Zee Nxumalo, Maglera Doe Boy, Langa Mavuso, Babalwa M, Lordkez, and Xduppy to share the stage with her.
Tyla described African music and culture as rich and said she was grateful to stand on the shoulders of artists who had inspired her career.
“Our music, our culture is so rich, and I’m so proud of everybody,”
Photo: Getty Images
In a call for unity, she said:
”And I am just so happy to be South African. I’m happy to be African most of all. I pray one day to see a unified Africa. It’s so important,”
At SAMA32, Tyla’s appearance celebrated both her achievements and the wider influence of African music. Her call for a unified Africa added a broader significance to the occasion, showing the importance of celebrating African artists and cultures across the continent.
Lamiez Holworthy-Morule has been taken to hospital where she is undergoing an operation. Her management confirmed the news, saying her condition is not life-threatening.
The incident has forced Lamiez to put her professional commitments on hold. She was scheduled to attend several events in August, but they are all on hold.
According to a statement from her management, Lamiez required urgent medical attention. However, no details are given.
Photo: Instagram/@lamiez_holworthy
Her management has confirmed that the situation is stable, although time is needed further to recuperate fully. They said:
“Lamiez Holworthy was rushed to hospital and required an emergency surgical procedure,”
Event promoters, organisers, clients and partners involved in her upcoming bookings will need to adjust their plans following the unexpected medical emergency.
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Meanwhile, management said events cancelled will be rescheduled once Lamiez has recovered. The new dates will depend on when she is cleared by the medical staff authorities. Their statement reads:
“This will affect remaining events tonight and on August 10…. “
Photo: Instagram/@lamiez_holworthy
Furthermore, fans have shown concern since the news became public. There have been several messages of support and good. wishes shared online. Teboho Matima tweeted:
“Wish you a speedy recovery soon 🙏 our entertainer”
However, Lamiez’s management has not disclosed additional medical information. They request for understanding saying:
“We kindly ask that her privacy be respected.. .”
The entertainer’s temporary break from work shows the uncertainty that can come with an emergency medical situation. Despite having a busy professional calendar, her aim is recovering from the surgery.
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