Celebrity News
Khanyi Mars Leaves Podcast and Chill’s “Music Pulse,” Stirring Online Reactions
Khanyi Mbau has officially exited Music Pulse, the music show under the Podcast and Chill Network umbrella. The news has generated widespread reactions across social media. Her departure comes a few months after the show underwent a major rebrand.
Khanyi Mars announced the news through her Instagram Stories on 19 May 2026. She confirmed officially leaving the network and that was no longer part of Music Pulse.
“I have officially taken the decision to leave Podcast and Chill network. I’m no longer part of Music Pulse. I am extremely grateful to the entire network,” Mars said.
However, she did not explain the exact reasons behind her exit.

Photo: Instagram
The timing of her departure became a major talking point because the revamped Music Pulse just introduced controversial music executive Nota Baloyi as one of its co-hosts. The changes were unveiled during Podcast and Chill’s promoted “Cabinet Reshuffle” livestream event earlier this year. The panel then was Nota Baloyi, Khanyi Mars, Sfiso Ndlovu and Thakgi Ledwaba. Many viewers believed the new lineup would bring stronger engagement around the South African music industry.
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After Khanyi’s announcement, online discussions intensified, with some users pointing to what they described as a pattern of departures from the Podcast and Chill Network. An X user HaositwePhiri tweeted:
First Moonaka, Seemah and now Mars. I’m seeing a pattern and I do not like the thoughts it’s evoking in me. @Solphendukaa what’s going there? Genuinely
Munaka had earlier left Piano Pulse, saying she wanted to focus on other priorities.
Another X user 33music_plug blamed Nota for the exit:
“Nota doesn’t give anyone space to share their opinion. He talks too much for my liking. There is an episode he cuts her off from Sharing her thoughts on the ongoing topic. Always claim he know all. That’s bad!”
The conversation was so intense that Podcast and Chill co-host Sol Phenduka addressed the speculation publicly on X. Responding to a user who suggested there might be deeper issues within the network, Sol argued that people leave jobs and workplaces all the time.
“A pattern Eyi. People leave jobs and positions it happens everyday in many SA companies.. Why do they leave? fortunately you know all their social media accounts fam . Ask them. “
He told critics to ask the former hosts directly instead of creating conspiracy theories online.

Photo: Instagram
Khanyi Mars has remained a popular figure within South African entertainment culture for years. Apart from her podcast work, she is involved in reality television and online media. Her association with Podcast and Chill also attracted attention because fans had long linked her to the mysterious “Ghost Lady” identity connected to the network.
Khanyi Mars nor the management of Podcast and Chill Network has revealed whether her departure was connected to any disagreements. Social media users will continue to debate her departure until an official answer is given. Some believe the show will not be the same without her presence, while others hope the network introduces another major personality to fill the vacuum.
Celebrity News
Tyla Set for AfroNation Festival Performance in Portugal
South African music star Tyla is set to perform at AfroNation Portugal this weekend, adding another international festival appearance to her 2026 schedule.
The Grammy-winning singer is among the headline acts for the three-day festival, which takes place at Praia da Rocha Beach in Portimão, Portugal, from July 3 to July 5. She joins a lineup featuring fellow African stars Wizkid, Asake and Olamide, alongside American rapper Gunna and other artists performing across Afrobeats, amapiano, hip hop and R&B.

Tyla – Instagram
AfroNation has become one of the largest festivals celebrating African music outside the continent, attracting thousands of fans from around the world each year. Tyla’s inclusion in this year’s lineup adds another high-profile international festival to her growing list of performances.
Her return to the AfroNation stage comes three years after she performed at the festival in 2023, before “Water” became an international hit. Since then, she has won a Grammy Award, performed on major international stages and continued to build her global fan base.

Tyla – Instagram
Fans attending the festival are expected to hear a mix of her biggest hits and newer material. Tyla has also been building anticipation for her second studio album, APOP, which is scheduled for release later this month. The project has already been previewed with singles including “She Did It Again”, offering fans an early look at the upcoming album.
Her appearance also comes as African artists continue to feature prominently at major music festivals across Europe. AfroNation has built its reputation by bringing together established stars and emerging talent from across Africa and the diaspora, introducing their music to audiences from around the world.

Tyla – Instagram
This year’s edition features another extensive lineup, with organisers announcing artists in several phases ahead of the festival. Tyla’s place among the headline performers reflects her continued success on the international music scene.
The Portugal performance is expected to include popular songs such as “Water”, “Push 2 Start” and “Chanel”, while also giving festivalgoers a preview of music from APOP before its official release.
Celebrity News
Mapaseka Koetle Says Goodbye to Dintle Nyathi as Her Scandal! Journey Ends
Mapaseka Koetle has officially closed a major chapter in her television career as she exited the character Dintle Nyathi from the soap opera Scandal!. The development is the end of a journey that has spanned years of performance within the fictional newsroom of the show.
She bid farewell on Instagram, where she wrote about how her career has evolved,
“Dear Dintle, 13 years ago, I met a character who would change my life forever. I didn’t just play you; I grew up with you.”
“Through every triumph, mistake, heartbreak and victory, you taught me resilience, strength and the power of starting over. You helped me shape the woman and actress I am today,” she wrote.

Photo: Instagram
She thanked everyone for giving her the chance to portray the character and said she won’t forget it.
“Thank you for opening doors I once only dreamed of walking through. Thank you for giving me a home, a purpose and memories I will cherish forever,” she added.
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Some of her co-actors said their goodbyes. Brighton Ngoma, who played Quinton Nyathi, bid farewell,
“To all my colleagues, past and present, well done fam”
Sivenathi Mabuya, who portrayed Xolile Langa (and later Medupe), said:
“Ohhh man.. No words. I just never thought this day would come when we’d say goodbye to one of South Africa’s most ICONIC shows. It all began with Xolile Langa Medupe… IYKYK!!!!”
Koetle said in several interviews over the years in which she discussed the demands of portraying a long running character, and the pressures of adapting to changing scripts. While she didn’t see the exit as a retirement from acting, she is open to new roles.

Photo: Instagram
For Scandal!, the exit of Dintle Nyathi closes a storyline era that has shaped the show’s identity. For audiences, it marks the end of a familiar presence in a fictional world that mirrors contemporary urban life in South Africa. .
The departure is being viewed as a structured transition, reflecting both the natural lifecycle of long-running television characters and the evolving direction of one of South Africa’s most watched soap operas.
Celebrity News
Teyana Taylor Takes Home Four Awards at the 2026 BET Awards
Teyana Taylor dominated the 2026 BET Awards, as she won four awards. Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the annual event rewarded entertainers who contribute to Black culture. Although an actress, she won laurels in fashion and production categories. This showed how far Taylor has come and how much she is appreciated in the industry.
Taylor earned the Best Actress award for how she performed in One Battle After Another. The movie was directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. She came first ahead of Angela Bassett, Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Quinta Brunson, Regina Hall, Coco Jones, and Chase Infiniti.

Photo: Instagram
Her second award was in the Video Director of the Year category. Taylor was recognised for directing the Escape Room, a 38 minute visual project in 2025. The movie was produced through her production company, The Aunties. Those nominated in these categories were Patience Foster, Benny Boom and Cardi B, but she came on top.
Read Also: Tyla’s “Chanel” Earns Two Nominations at the 2026 BET Awards
Taylor’s also went home with the Fashion Vanguard Award, which honours individuals with a huge cultural style. She got this because of her bold editorial looks, and red carpet appearances. This category recognised her fashion sense and how it was used to inspire trends. Despite being in a category with Beyoncé, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Cardi B, she succeeded.

Photo: Instagram
Janet Jackson presented Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award. It honors those with influence in multiple creative fields. Taylor became emotional as she explained that the award represented years of persistence. She spoke about the importance of creating opportunities for others and leaving a meaningful legacy.

Photo: Instagram
Taylor’s four awards showed how talented she is in the entertainment industry . By earning these honours, she reinforced her status as one of the entertainment industry’s most accomplished multi-talented creatives.
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