Celebrity News
Doja Cat’s Pretoria Homecoming: What to Expect from the Global Citizen Move Afrika Concert
When Doja Cat steps onto the stage in Pretoria, it won’t feel like a regular international tour stop. It will feel like a return. Born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, the artist’s connection to South Africa, through her father, Dumisani Dlamini, has remained a quiet part of her global image. This concert brings it forward, in a setting that reflects both personal significance and wider industry goals.
The Pretoria show marks her first time performing in South Africa, a detail that has raised anticipation. For fans, it follows earlier missed opportunities for local performances. For the artist, it is presented as a cultural return instead of a standard debut.
Doja Cat – Instagram
The event itself, Move Afrika, differs from a typical concert series. Led by Global Citizen, it is designed as a long-term touring platform linking global artists with African cities while building local production capacity. The Pretoria edition follows Kigali, forming part of a broader plan to establish a pan-African circuit that supports jobs, skills development and creative industries.
The concert takes place on March 20 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, with doors opening earlier in the evening and the main show expected to begin around 8pm. The arena scale shapes the production. Move Afrika events have been built around international staging standards while relying heavily on local crews, over 90% in previous editions. That balance defines the production quality: global-level sound and visuals, executed through local expertise.
Doja Cat – Instagram
Doja Cat’s current tour cycle, tied to her 2025 album Vie, features tightly structured, high-energy setlists that move between rap-driven tracks and melodic pop records. Expect a sequence built around songs like “Paint the Town Red,” “Woman,” and “Agora Hills,” alongside earlier hits that remain part of her live shows. Her performances typically focus on pacing and transitions rather than extended crowd interaction. That approach keeps momentum high and allows for quick shifts between moods, something that translates well in arena settings.
Visually, her recent shows have kept staging controlled: lighting-led transitions, sharp costume changes, and choreography that supports the music. For Pretoria, the production is expected to maintain that structure, but with added significance given the context of the performance.
Doja Cat – Instagram
Move Afrika’s model means the night won’t be built around a single artist. Local and regional acts are expected to be part of the lineup, reflecting the initiative’s focus on integrating African talent into global touring frameworks. Behind the scenes, the event supports a wider system, employment for technicians, designers, stage crews and vendors. The organisers have positioned each show as both a live event and an economic initiative, linking entertainment to longer-term industry growth.
Global touring in Africa is shifting. Instead of one-off festival appearances, structured touring circuits are beginning to take shape. Move Afrika is one of the clearest examples of that transition, and Pretoria is a test of how sustainable that model can be.
Doja Cat – Instagram
For Doja Cat, the context is more direct but still significant. The performance brings together her identity, audience and timing in a way her previous tours have not required. Reflecting on her involvement with Move Afrika, she said through Global Citizen, “I’m proud to be part of something that celebrates Africa’s creativity, invests in its future, and shows the world that Africa isn’t coming, it’s already here.” It is a show that combines personal significance with industry strategy, one that will be assessed both for performance and its wider significance. The expectation goes beyond a strong set, pointing to a performance that reflects both her background and Africa’s growing live music platform.
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.
5 Low-Impact Workouts for People With Joint Pain
Should Couples Have Joint or Separate Finances?
Siyanda Bani Gives the Tiered Dress a Glamorous Update in Powder Blue
-
Netflix3 months agoWhat Happened at Kevin Hart’s ‘Get Roasted’ Show and Why It’s Going Viral
-
Travels3 months ago6 National Parks to Visit in South Africa This Autumn
-
Health3 months agoThe 5 Best Anti-Inflammatory Drinks to Enjoy Throughout the Day
-
Food3 months agoBest Foods for Women’s Heart Health After 30
-
Movies3 months ago5 African Films to Stream Before May Ends
-
TV3 months agoTop Billing’s Return Triggers Debate and Viral Auditions
-
Celebrity News3 months agoMoozlie Opens Up About Split From Jr Ecko, Says They Parted on Good Terms
-
Beauty3 months agoHow to Reduce Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles Naturally