Celebrity News
Anok Yai Just Won Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards
Anok Yai’s recognition at the Fashion Awards came after a year where her work was everywhere across the global fashion circuit. The event at the Royal Albert Hall brought together the industry’s usual mix of designers, photographers, editors, and public figures, but her category carried particular interest because of the scale of her work over the past year. The award confirmed what has been visible across runways, campaigns and major editorials; she has been one of the most active and consistently booked models in the world.
Anok Yai – Instagram
Over the last two seasons, Yai appeared in campaigns for multiple luxury houses and major beauty brands. This solidified her status as one of fashion’s most relied-upon faces. Her presence across top publications, including repeated appearances in British Vogue, Vogue US, Vogue Italia, Another Magazine, Dazed and others, showed how central she has become to editorial planning. These were not one-off features; she held recurring space in print and digital editions throughout 2024 and 2025, reflecting sustained relevance rather than periodic visibility.
Anok Yai- Instagram
Professionals who have worked with Yai have publicly spoken about her preparation and attention to detail on set. Photographers and stylists have noted in interviews that she arrives ready, understands references and adapts quickly to direction. Designers have highlighted her ability to hold the mood of a show, which is one of the reasons she appears regularly in prominent runway lineups in New York, London, Milan and Paris. This consistent performance across markets has placed her among the most in-demand models of the current era.
Her win therefore aligns with a year defined by high-profile work rather than isolated standout moments. Her runway appearances spanned several major fashion weeks; her editorial output remained steady across multiple continents; and her campaign bookings cut across both fashion and beauty sectors. These are measurable indicators of influence in an industry where longevity and volume across major platforms matter as much as visibility.
Anok Yai – Instagram
For South African readers who follow international modelling, particularly the growing presence of African talent within global spaces, Yai’s achievement fits within a broader movement of African models taking on leading roles in fashion’s biggest arenas. Her award reflects a documented body of work that extended across campaigns, runways and publications throughout the year. It marks her as one of the most prominent working models of the moment.
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.
Read Also: Mihlali Ndamase Wears Plunging Gown for a Beauty Photoshoot
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.
Bonang Matheba will receive the Trailblazer Award at the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards to recognise her contribution to South African entertainment.
The ceremony will be hosted by Anele Zondo, Moozlie, Unathi, and Lerato Kganyago. This 2026 ceremony marks the fifth edition and is now a two-night celebration. The Vanguard Circle and Main Awards are part of the event.
Artists that will perform at the event include : Lira, Kelly Khumalo, Nothando Hlophe, MaWhoo, Thatohatsi, and Makhadzi. For Artist of the Year, Tyla, Ayra Starr, MaWhoo are among the top nominees.
Photo: Instagram
Responding to the award, Matheba said;
“Thank you to the Basadi in Music Awards for this incredible honour. To be recognised alongside women who’ve shaped this industry is a privilege I don’t take for granted.”
Matheba became the first South African celebrity to launch an online reality show and was named one of Forbes’ 50 Most Powerful Women in Africa.
Read Also: Bonang Matheba Makes a Statement in Pink Gucci at the 2026 Zeitz MOCCA Gala
Matheba has attended various international events. Some events she attended are the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (2026) and Miss Cosmo Grand Finale in Vietnam (2025)
The organisers have introduced a Pan-African expansion for the fifth edition. Selected categories allow artists, creators, and other professionals beyond South Africa to participate.
Photo:Instagram
The main awards feature 28 categories covering different areas. Public voting for the competitive categories has closed, with the results verified before the ceremony.
According to the Basadi in Music Awards rules, the organisers can give additional honorary awards through a special committee. The award will be presented during the ceremony at Joburg Theatre on August 8. The theme is Rewind and the campaign Africa to the World.
Tems has become the first female Africaartist to be credited on an RIAA Diamond-certified single. The achievement came through Future’s hit song “WAIT FOR U,” featuring Drake and Tems.
The RIAA confirmed the certification as part of its latest list of award updates. Released in April 2022, Future single became a hit. The track includes Tems’ 2020 song “Higher,” The song gave Future his first chart-topping single as a lead artist.
The Diamond certification is one of the RIAA’s highest recognitions. It is awarded only after a song reaches at least 10 million certified units in the United States.
Photo: Instagram
Tems’ gained wider recognition with her 2019 single “Try Me” before achieving global success through Wizkid’s “Essence.” She has since collaborated with artists including Drake, Beyoncé, Future, and Brent Faiyaz.
Read Also: Tems Launches South Africa Edition of Leading Vibe Initiative
Her success is not just tied to streaming numbers alone. She won several international awards. She has a Grammy in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category and also four BET Awards. Her talent has earned her praise from different artists including Rihanna.
Photo: Instagram
While several African musicians have received multi Platinum certifications in the United States, Diamond status remains rare. Tems becoming the first African woman to earn the certification.
The RIAA Diamond certification shows how African artists continue to break barriers. As Tem’s international profile grows, this latest milestone will inspire more female artists to aim for global success.
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