South Africa’s entertainment industry and cultural sectors are mourning Maria McCloy, who died at the age of 50 after reportedly suffering heart failure in Johannesburg. Her family confirmed that she passed away on the evening of May 12 at Milpark Hospital. They described her as a “vibrant and creative soul” whose influence stretched beyond music.

McCloy was widely regarded as a pioneering cultural figure in post-apartheid South Africa. Over three decades, she built a reputation as a DJ and entrepreneur who helped promote urban youth culture in Johannesburg. She was recognised for her work in developing local music and African fashion.

Photo: Instagram

Born in the United Kingdom to a Mosotho mother and English father, McCloy became a prominent voice during the late 1990s and early 2000s. While studying at Rhodes University, she co-founded Black Rage Productions alongside Kutloano Skosana and Dzino. The multimedia company became influential for documenting Black urban culture through television, music and fashion content. Their projects included “Bassiq” and Channel O programmes that highlighted township music and street fashion.

Read Also: Veteran Actress Cynthia Shange Dies, South Africa Pays Tribute

McCloy later transitioned into music publicity and artist management, working with Thandiswa Mazwai, Sjava, Nakhane and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. McCloy was also involved in Johannesburg’s nightlife and fashion industry. She used traditional fabrics and beadwork influenced by Tsonga, Zulu and Ndebele aesthetics.

Tributes from musicians and journalists flooded social media after news of her death broke. Kwaito group TKZee thanked McCloy for supporting them early in their career.

“You wrote the very first article published about us. Thank you for being a day-one believer and a foundation stone that shaped the “New South Africa’s” youth culture. Rest now Maria McCloy. Your race is run. Thank you for time and we’ll see you out there”

Photo: Instagram

A spokesperson for DIRCO, Chrispin Phiri, wrote on X,

“Our very own Maria Podesta. A cultural icon in many respects. Definitely gone too soon.  Rest in Peace Maria McCloy”

Many viewed her as an unofficial ambassador of Johannesburg’s creative scene because of how closely she was associated with its nightlife, galleries and independent fashion scene. Commentators noted that her influence remains embedded in the sound and creative energy of modern Johannesburg.

McCloy is survived by her mother and sisters, Thandiwe and Natasha. Her family has asked for privacy during this period while funeral arrangements are being finalised.

Tyla and Rema are taking African music to football’s biggest stage as performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. This is a defining moment for Africa entertainment as it shows how Afrobeats and amapiano have evolved from continental sounds into global forces. With billions expected to watch the ceremony, the duo will bring African energy and sound to one of the biggest audiences in the world.

FIFA is organising ceremonies across host countries which includes the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The main broadcast ceremony will happen in Los Angeles before the United States opening game, featuring a concert. Tyla and Rema are part of a lineup that has been called for the event. Alongside Tyla and Rema, other stars invited are Katy Perry, Burna Boy, Future, and Anitta

Photo: Instagram

Tyla’s inclusion at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony reflects how far she has grown. After winning a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, she continued to build a strong global presence through appearances at major festivals including Coachella and Governors Ball, with standout appearances at the Met Gala and Paris Fashion Week. Her collaborations with artists such as Travis Scott, Tems, and Sean Paul have cemented her status as one of Africa’s biggest global pop exports.

Read Also: Tyla Addresses Viral Rihanna Met Gala Snub Rumours After ‘Awkward’ Interaction

Beyond the success of “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez, Rema has earned Grammy nominations, performed at festivals like Wireless, Afro Nation, and Dreamville Festival. He has collaborated with artists such as Chris Brown and Offset and  built a strong presence in international fashion through appearances at Paris Fashion Week.

Stars like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez have performed at the world cup in previous editions. The organisers are continuing with this tradition to improve the visibility of the tournament.

Photo: Instagram

The World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, and performing at the tournament’s opening ceremony will. Improve Tyla and Rema status on the global stage. With both artists already enjoying international success through music and festival appearances, the FIFA stage is a defining moment in their careers. As the mundial draws closer, fans are anticipating a performance that could become one of the standout entertainment moments of the tournament.

South African singer Tyla has responded to speculation surrounding her interaction with Rihanna at the 2026 Met Gala after a short clip from the event circulated widely on social media.
The footage, shared across TikTok and X, showed Rihanna walking past Tyla outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Social media users quickly began speculating that Rihanna had ignored the “Water” singer during the event.

Tyla – Instagram

Tyla has now addressed the rumours, explaining that the moment was not as serious as many online users assumed.
Speaking in a TikTok video posted after the event, the singer said the interaction felt “awkward” from her side because she considers Rihanna one of her idols.

Tyla explained that she hesitated to approach the star because Rihanna appeared busy during the evening.
“Everyone knows I love RiRi,” Tyla said while responding to the online reactions. She also recalled an earlier meeting with Rihanna, explaining that their previous interaction was also brief because the singer had to leave during their conversation.
Rather than suggesting tension between them, Tyla described both encounters as unfortunate timing.

Rihanna – Instagram

She explained that at this year’s Met Gala, she again chose not to interrupt Rihanna because the singer seemed occupied. Tyla added that if they eventually have a proper conversation, she would prefer it to happen in a calmer environment away from cameras and social media commentary.

The clip became a major talking point following this year’s Met Gala, with thousands of social media users commenting on the interaction. While some accused Rihanna of being dismissive, others argued the moment had been misinterpreted online.

The discussion also emerged alongside separate speculation involving Rihanna and A$AP Rocky after another post-event video prompted rumours about the couple. Several entertainment outlets later reported that the pair were exhausted after a long evening of appearances and interviews.

Tyla – Instagram

Despite the online debate, Tyla’s response made it clear that there was no issue between the two singers. The star, who attended this year’s Met Gala in a custom Valentino look designed by Alessandro Michele, has previously spoken about Rihanna’s influence on her career.
Tyla’s explanation has since helped calm speculation surrounding the viral moment, with many fans praising the singer for directly addressing the rumours.