Tyla brought her A*POP era to Johannesburg on Sunday, August 16, with a special takeover at Gold Reef City.

The A*POP Takeover was designed as a fan appreciation event following the release of Tyla’s second album, APOP. Gold Reef City was transformed for the occasion, with activities including face painting, a neon photography room and merchandise activations linked to the album.

Photo: Instagram

Tyla had also announced that 1,000 tickets would be given away for free through TikTok and Instagram challenges. Fans had to create videos using songs from A*POP* and share them with the hashtag #APOPGOLDREEFCITY for a chance to attend.

South African Tourism also supported the event by arranging transport for selected tourism students and fans from different parts of Gauteng. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille attended the takeover, while about 200 students were given access to the celebration.

Photo: Instagram

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Tyla also performed during the event, with songs including “That Girl”. Choreographer Lee-ché Janecke, also known as Litchi HOV, was among the performers involved in the event.

The singer spent time interacting with fans around Gold Reef City. During the event, she spoke about her career and how she enjoys the opportunity to connect with her supporters. She said:

Photo: Instagram

“I’m so happy that you guys came through. You guys look beautiful. We’re gonna have fun. I want you guys to enjoy, have a good time. It’s crazy. I did not think it would be this crazy,” 

The Gold Reef City takeover came weeks after the release of A*POP* on July 24. The 14-track album includes collaborations with MaWhoo, Babalwa M and Liquideep, as well as Swedish singer Zara Larsson.

Photo: Instagram

The event also comes ahead of Tyla’s first full global headline tour. The A*POP World Tour is scheduled to begin in Paris on October 12 before moving through Europe, the UK and North America, with Tyla also scheduled to perform in Cape Town on January 4, 2027, and Johannesburg on January 9.

Bonang Matheba arrived at the 2026 South African Music Awards in Sun City in an oversized grey linen suit by South African label UNI FORM by Luke Radloff. The look traded the expected red-carpet gown for strong tailoring, with the cut and proportions of the suit taking centre stage.

Photo – Instagram/@Bonang Matheba

The grey linen jacket has broad shoulders, oversized sleeves and a long cut, with a matching tie tucked beneath the pointed collar. The trousers have an extra-wide leg that falls almost to the floor, creating a generous shape from the waist down. A gold-toned buckle at the waist adds contrast to the grey fabric, while the long jacket panels extend over the trousers.

Photo – Instagram/@Bonang Matheba

Bonang kept the accessories focused. She wore animal-print pointed heels beneath the wide trousers, while stacked bracelets, a watch and gold earrings added jewellery to the look. The gold earrings also worked with the buckle at her waist. Oversized dark sunglasses completed the styling.

Her hair was cut into a short, side-parted black bob, with loose strands framing her face. She paired the hairstyle with a deep berry lipstick, which added contrast to the grey suit.

Photo – Instagram/@Bonang Matheba

The outfit also recalls Bonang’s previous tailoring looks. In July 2025, she wore an oversized pinstriped suit with a white shirt, long tie, angular sunglasses and pointed pumps. The similarity is clear in the use of an oversized suit, tie and statement eyewear, although the SAMA look takes the proportions further.

At the 2026 SAMAs, Bonang’s choice of grey linen and wide-leg tailoring offered another example of how she uses suiting for major appearances. The outfit stays close to her established preference for strong tailoring while giving it a more relaxed, oversized shape.

Thulisile Phongolo brought a fitted black gown to the DJ booth, giving her latest performance look a more dressed-up feel without adding unnecessary details.

The long-sleeved gown has a square neckline and a close fit through the bodice, waist and hips before falling to the floor. The black colour keeps the look simple, while the neckline adds interest to the otherwise covered design. The designer of the gown has not been confirmed.

Photo – Instagram/@Thulisile Phongolo

She paired the gown with strappy metallic heels, which were visible beneath the floor-length hem. A delicate black pendant necklace sat at her neckline, while she wore a slim wrist accessory.

For the DJ booth, Phongolo wore black over-ear headphones across her head as she worked the decks. The headphones added a functional element to the outfit while fitting naturally with the all-black look.

Photo – Instagram/@Thulisile Phongolo

Her hair was styled in a high bun, with reddish-brown strands and a full fringe framing her face. A few loose pieces were left around the sides, softening the updo.

Her makeup included defined brows, eyeliner, full lashes, softly contoured cheeks and a nude lip. The neutral finish worked with the black gown without introducing another strong colour.

Photo – Instagram/@Thulisile Phongolo

The look is in keeping with Phongolo’s preference for fitted, feminine pieces. She has previously stepped out in more elaborate designs, including a Maryzo Designs gown, as well as casual combinations such as a Versace denim jacket with black trousers. Her wardrobe regularly moves between glamorous occasionwear and simpler fitted looks, and this DJ appearance sits comfortably between the two.

This time, however, the setting was different. The same kind of fitted black gown that could work for an evening event also made sense at the decks, where Phongolo has built a second career alongside her work as an actress and television personality.