Celebrity News
Lebo Mashile Hails South African Film Crews After Starring Alongside Chloe Bailey in Strung
Lebo Mashile is celebrating the release of Strung by highlighting the work of South African film crews. As the psychological thriller reaches audiences, Mashile has focused on the people working behind the camera, saying South African film crews deserve greater recognition for the standard of work they consistently deliver.
The award-winning poet, actress and author plays Femina “Femi” Sithole, a domestic worker employed by a wealthy family hiding disturbing secrets. Mashile described Femi as a woman who is practical, disciplined and fully committed to her work. She said bringing the role to life was one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.
Chloe Bailey – Instagram
Strung follows gifted violinist Laila, played by Chloe Bailey, who accepts what appears to be a career-changing opportunity as a private music tutor. Once inside the family’s secluded home, she begins uncovering unsettling truths that transform the job into a fight for survival. The cast also features Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, Coco Jones and Romy Woods, bringing together established Hollywood names with South African talent.
Although sharing the screen with internationally recognised actors was a significant moment for Mashile, she said the experience reminded her of the strength of South Africa’s film industry. She singled out the Cape Town-based crew for their professionalism, saying their technical ability helps productions use South African locations to stand in for places around the world while maintaining high production standards. Her comments reflect the country’s growing reputation as a destination for international film and television productions.
Lebo Mashile – Instagram
Mashile also acknowledged the people who helped shape her performance, thanking her long-time agent, acting coach and director Malcolm D. Lee. She credited their guidance with helping her develop Femi into a restrained but memorable character.
The actress also thanked her fellow cast members, praising their professionalism and generosity on set. According to Mashile, working alongside performers with extensive international experience gave her the opportunity to observe different approaches to working on set. Instead of focusing on celebrity status, she highlighted the work ethic she witnessed throughout filming.
Lebo Mashile – Instagram
Her praise comes as South Africa continues to strengthen its position as a destination for major international film and television projects. Competitive production costs, experienced crews and diverse filming locations have helped attract global studios, creating opportunities for local actors and technical professionals to work on large-scale productions without leaving the country. Mashile’s experience on Strung is another example of those collaborations creating more opportunities for South African talent to work on international productions.
For Mashile, the biggest takeaway from Strung is not simply appearing in an international thriller. It is the chance to remind audiences that every successful production depends on the people behind the scenes. By highlighting South African film crews, she has drawn attention to a part of the industry that rarely receives public recognition but plays an essential role in producing internationally distributed films.
Tyla received the AfriPure International Achievement Award at the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
In 2024 Tyla won the award, but did not attend the event. She and Black Coffee have won the International Achievement Award twice. In her acceptance speech, Tyla said:
“Hello, South Africa!, I can’t even explain the feeling I have right now standing on this stage. This is my first time at the SAMAs,”
Tyla has won two American Music Awards in two categories: Best Afrobeats Artist and Social Song of the Year.
Photo: Getty Images
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After the award was presented, she invited Makhadzi, Cassper Nyovest, Zee Nxumalo, Maglera Doe Boy, Langa Mavuso, Babalwa M, Lordkez, and Xduppy to share the stage with her.
Tyla described African music and culture as rich and said she was grateful to stand on the shoulders of artists who had inspired her career.
“Our music, our culture is so rich, and I’m so proud of everybody,”
Photo: Getty Images
In a call for unity, she said:
”And I am just so happy to be South African. I’m happy to be African most of all. I pray one day to see a unified Africa. It’s so important,”
At SAMA32, Tyla’s appearance celebrated both her achievements and the wider influence of African music. Her call for a unified Africa added a broader significance to the occasion, showing the importance of celebrating African artists and cultures across the continent.
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.
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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.
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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.
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