Celebrity News
Lebo Mashile Hails South African Film Crews After Starring Alongside Chloe Bailey in Strung
Lebo Mashile is celebrating the release of Strung by highlighting the work of South African film crews. As the psychological thriller reaches audiences, Mashile has focused on the people working behind the camera, saying South African film crews deserve greater recognition for the standard of work they consistently deliver.
The award-winning poet, actress and author plays Femina “Femi” Sithole, a domestic worker employed by a wealthy family hiding disturbing secrets. Mashile described Femi as a woman who is practical, disciplined and fully committed to her work. She said bringing the role to life was one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.
Chloe Bailey – Instagram
Strung follows gifted violinist Laila, played by Chloe Bailey, who accepts what appears to be a career-changing opportunity as a private music tutor. Once inside the family’s secluded home, she begins uncovering unsettling truths that transform the job into a fight for survival. The cast also features Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, Coco Jones and Romy Woods, bringing together established Hollywood names with South African talent.
Although sharing the screen with internationally recognised actors was a significant moment for Mashile, she said the experience reminded her of the strength of South Africa’s film industry. She singled out the Cape Town-based crew for their professionalism, saying their technical ability helps productions use South African locations to stand in for places around the world while maintaining high production standards. Her comments reflect the country’s growing reputation as a destination for international film and television productions.
Lebo Mashile – Instagram
Mashile also acknowledged the people who helped shape her performance, thanking her long-time agent, acting coach and director Malcolm D. Lee. She credited their guidance with helping her develop Femi into a restrained but memorable character.
The actress also thanked her fellow cast members, praising their professionalism and generosity on set. According to Mashile, working alongside performers with extensive international experience gave her the opportunity to observe different approaches to working on set. Instead of focusing on celebrity status, she highlighted the work ethic she witnessed throughout filming.
Lebo Mashile – Instagram
Her praise comes as South Africa continues to strengthen its position as a destination for major international film and television projects. Competitive production costs, experienced crews and diverse filming locations have helped attract global studios, creating opportunities for local actors and technical professionals to work on large-scale productions without leaving the country. Mashile’s experience on Strung is another example of those collaborations creating more opportunities for South African talent to work on international productions.
For Mashile, the biggest takeaway from Strung is not simply appearing in an international thriller. It is the chance to remind audiences that every successful production depends on the people behind the scenes. By highlighting South African film crews, she has drawn attention to a part of the industry that rarely receives public recognition but plays an essential role in producing internationally distributed films.
Sean “Diddy” Combs could face criminal charges in connection with the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur. This has become a possibility during the ongoing trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis.
Davis, 63, is accused of orchestrating the September 7, 1996 shooting in Las Vegas. Prosecutors say the attack followed a fight at the MGM Grand involving Shakur, members of his entourage and Davis’ nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson. Shakur was riding in a BMW with Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight when a white Cadillac pulled up and Shakur was shot four times.
Photo: Getty Images
Davis has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors have built much of their case around statements he made over the years, including a 2008 police interview and his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend. Davis admitted he was in the Cadillac and described what happened that day.
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According to former police detective Daryn Dupree, Davis claimed Combs offered $1 million to have Shakur and Knight killed. He said:
“Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs supposedly had given money to Zip Martin to give to Mr. Davis for payment for the Tupac murder,”
Those allegations have never resulted in criminal charges against Combs. His representatives have denied his involvement. People reported that Combs is not a witness in Davis’ current trial.
Photo: Getty Images
Legal experts say the absence of Combs from the scene would not prevent prosecutors from charging him if credible evidence links him to the killing. Ex-prosecutor Neama Rahmani explained that Combs could face a charge if investigators could corroborate Davis’ allegation.
A Nevada judge had ruled that Davis’ 2008 police interview could be used at trial. The decision gives prosecutors another opportunity to present his statements about the shooting and the events surrounding it to jurors.
The Davis trial could become important if new evidence shed light on the alleged financial arrangements behind the killing. Nearly 30 years after Shakur’s death, the proceedings have reopened questions about who planned the attack and if there is anyone involved.
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.
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