Teyana Taylor dominated the 2026 BET Awards, as she won four awards. Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the annual event rewarded entertainers who contribute to Black culture. Although an actress, she won laurels in fashion and production categories. This showed how far Taylor has come and how much she is appreciated in the industry.

Taylor earned the Best Actress award for how she performed in One Battle After Another. The movie was directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. She came first ahead of Angela Bassett, Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Quinta Brunson, Regina Hall, Coco Jones, and Chase Infiniti.

Photo: Instagram

Her second award was in the Video Director of the Year category. Taylor was recognised for directing the Escape Room, a 38 minute visual project  in 2025. The movie was produced through her production company, The Aunties. Those nominated in these categories were Patience Foster, Benny Boom and Cardi B, but she came on top.

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Taylor’s also went home with the Fashion Vanguard Award, which honours individuals with a huge cultural style. She got this because of her bold editorial looks, and red carpet appearances. This category recognised her fashion sense and how it was used to inspire trends. Despite being in a category with Beyoncé, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Cardi B, she succeeded.

Photo: Instagram

Janet Jackson presented Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award. It honors those with influence in multiple creative fields. Taylor became emotional as she explained that the award represented years of persistence. She  spoke about the importance of creating opportunities for others and leaving a meaningful legacy.

Photo: Instagram

Taylor’s four awards showed how talented she is in the entertainment industry . By earning these honours, she reinforced her status as one of the entertainment industry’s most accomplished multi-talented creatives.

Before Thapelo Maseko helped South Africa reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time, he had already established himself as one of the country’s rising football talents. His journey has included success at youth international level, a move to Mamelodi Sundowns and a breakthrough with the senior national team.

Born on 11 June 2003, Maseko grew up in Eatonside, Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg. He began playing football at a young age, with the support of his family. His father, a truck driver, helped him attend training sessions and matches as he progressed through the youth ranks.

Thapelo Maseko – Instagram

Maseko’s talent became widely recognised during his time in junior football. He represented South Africa at youth level and made a significant impression at the 2022 COSAFA Under-20 Championship, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer and won the Golden Boot.

His performances at youth level opened the door to senior football with SuperSport United. Comfortable on either wing, Maseko established himself as a quick and direct attacker who enjoys taking on defenders and creating chances in wide areas. His performances in the Premier Soccer League earned him a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2023.

Joining a squad filled with experienced internationals meant competition for places was intense, and regular first-team opportunities did not come immediately. He continued his development while competing for opportunities in the first team.

Thapelo Maseko – Instagram

His progress was interrupted by injury during the 2024-25 season, limiting his appearances for Sundowns. Despite the setback, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos continued to include him in the national team squad.

That decision proved significant during South Africa’s final Group A match at the FIFA World Cup.

South Africa entered the match against South Korea needing a positive result to keep their World Cup campaign alive. In the 63rd minute, Tshepang Moremi broke into space and delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Maseko timed his run and guided the ball into the bottom corner to score the only goal of the match.

The strike secured a 1-0 victory and sent Bafana Bafana into the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history. It became the defining moment of Maseko’s international career to date.

Thapelo Maseko – Instagram

After the final whistle, Maseko described the achievement as “unbelievable” and thanked supporters who had backed the team throughout the tournament. He also credited the team’s collective effort for the historic result.

At 23, Maseko has already experienced success at youth level, competition for places at club level, injury setbacks and a historic moment in South African football. His winning goal against South Korea secured his place in Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup story.

As South Africa prepare for the knockout stage, Maseko heads into the next phase of the tournament following the defining moment of his international career.

Thuli Phongolo has addressed online speculation about her private life, firmly denying claims that she is romantically involved with DJ Prince Kaybee and  Edwin. The actress is the subject of social media relationship rumours, has dismissed the latest allegations.

The rumours began circulating on social media platforms where Chris Excel, a troll, suggested she had interactions that were interpreted as romantic.

Responding, Thuli Phongolo made it clear that she is not in any romantic relationship with either. She says such narratives are not true. She urged the public to stop attaching her name to such news.

Photo: Instagram

Kaybee responded to Chris with a funny caption,

“Lol you motherfucker “

Thuli was not happy with this response and urged him to tell the truth. She replied,

“Uhm, since when? 

If you’re going to entertain it, you might as well clear it with the TRUTH. I’ve never slept with you or Edwin for that matter! This whole narrative of trying to paint me as loose is tired, I don’t play with my p*ssy please! “

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This is not the first time Phongolo has faced dating rumours. She was linked to several  DJ Maphorisa earlier in the year. In every rumor linked to her, she has always said her relationships are private.

Phongolo claims she was not dating anyone. She asked the public to avoid spreading unfounded rumours that could affect her image.

Photo: Instagram

The latest wave of speculation highlights  issues faced by many South African celebrities. In Phongolo’s case, attending public functions with someone triggers dating rumours.

Despite the distractions, Phongolo hopes to grow her brand in entertainment. Her denials suggest her stance on keeping boundaries between public and personal life.

She has now made it clear that the claims linking her to Prince Kaybee and Edwin are untrue, urging the public to discard them.