At 60, Janet Jackson remains an influential entertainer in modern pop culture. For more than forty years, she has evolved from being the youngest member of the Jackson family to a music star. Janet has been involved in pop performance, music videos and fashion.

Janet was Born on May 16, 1966, in Gary, Indiana. She began acting as a child, appearing in television shows including Good Times and Different Strokes. Despite the popularity of her brother, Micheal Jackson was, she created her own identity.

Janet Jackson: Instagram

Her breakthrough came with the 1986 album Control, which was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The project changed contemporary R&B and pop music. Songs like “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” and “Control” showed how talented Janet is.

She followed it with Rhythm Nation 1814 in 1989, a socially conscious pop album of its era. The project addressed racism, poverty, drug abuse, and inequality. Tracks such as “Rhythm Nation,” “Miss You Much,” and “Escapade” helped the album produce seven top five singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

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During the 1990s, Janet produced “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Together Again,” and “Got ’til It’s Gone”. She explored themes of sexuality, emotional vulnerability, and depression. She was praised for opening conversations around  LGBTQ representation in pop music.Janet became popular for her live performances. Her music in ways influenced Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Ciara.

Janet Jackson: Instagram

Jackson was married to Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana. They met in 2006, and quietly got married in 2012. The relationship was blessed with a son, named Eissa Al Mana. Some few months later, they were separated.

She was involved in the controversial 2004 Super Bowl halftime show incident involving Justin Timberlake. This happened when Justin accidentally tore off a portion of Jackson’s costume, exposing her breast to the public. The backlash was huge, fans blamed the media for targeting her.

Janet has sold over 180 million records and won multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards. Her legacy remains untainted.

Zozibini Tunzi will host the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 finale. She was crowned Miss Universe 2019, and will headline the grand finale scheduled for 6 June 2026. The event will be held at the Hippodrome in Harare.

Organisers believe her participation will boost the event in terms of visibility. The decision to bring in a former Miss Universe winner will promote entertainment and attract wider audience engagement outside Zimbabwe. On her Instagram profile, she wrote:

“Mhoroi, Zimbabwe! I’m so excited to share that I will be hosting the Miss Universe Zimbabwe Grand Finale. It’s my first time visiting the country, and I couldn’t be more happier to do it on stage with impeccable young women. See you there”

Photo: Instagram

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Her involvement is important for beauty contests in the continent, where former titleholders are put into public roles. In Tunzi’s case, her global recognition makes the Miss Universe Zimbabwe brand more popular. .

When Zozibini Tunzi won the award in 2019, it was a turning point in global beauty standards. She became the first Black South African woman to win the Miss Universe title. This made her known across fashion and media spaces. Since her reign, she has gone into television presenting and screen work.

Photo: Instagram

Tunzi’s hosting the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 finale brings positive light to African pageantry. It also shows how relevant she is in the entertainment industry years after her winning the beauty crown.

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.