Celebrity News
Loyiso Bala Opens Up About His Longstanding Friendship With Pearl Thusi Before Fame
Loyiso Bala recently reflected on his relationship with Pearl Thusi. The account centred on a period long before either name carried public weight.
Bala’s account traces a friendship that began nearly two decades ago, long before either had settled into the roles that now define their public identities. At the time, there were no expectations attached, no audiences watching, and no reputations to protect. What existed instead was proximity, shared ambition, and the slow familiarity that comes from growing alongside someone rather than meeting them at the height of success.
Loyiso Bala – Instagram
In a message shared publicly, Bala described a bond formed well ahead of industry recognition. He referenced how life has since moved in practical directions: careers maturing, families expanding, and responsibilities shifting. The tone was casual and unsentimental, marked by lived detail instead of sentimentality. One moment he recalled was from his wedding almost 15 years ago, where Thusi caught the bouquet, a memory he recalled with lighthearted humour.
That sense of ordinariness is what gives the account its weight. Bala did not frame the friendship around milestones or achievements. Instead, he placed it within everyday moments. The emphasis was less on what they have become and more on how long they have known each other as people.
Pearl Thusi – Instagram
Their connection has also been referenced during more difficult periods. During the pandemic, public discussion around the Bala family’s living situation drew attention after reports overstated the circumstances. Bala later clarified that the narrative had been misrepresented. What remained clear, however, was that close friends were present during a disruptive period, offering support discreetly.
For Thusi, whose career continues to expand across acting, broadcasting, and music, the idea of a stable personal circle has often surfaced in her public remarks. Bala’s account aligns with that position, suggesting a relationship maintained outside professional cycles and public validation.
Photo Credit – Instagram
What makes this account notable is not longevity alone. Many public figures share long histories. What is less common is the willingness to describe those relationships without shaping them into lessons or symbols. Bala’s words do not attempt to elevate the friendship into something exceptional. They simply place it where it belongs: before the attention, before the expectations, and long before either career needed explaining.
The story captures a friendship that has lasted without the pressures of fame. It documents a connection that has remained intact not because it was visible, but because it did not need to be.
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.
Didintle Makobane will play the lead role of Nthabiseng in the upcoming South African film Nthabiseng, which is scheduled to premiere on Women’s Day. The film cast includes Mme Lillian Dube, Kamo Modisakeng, and Dumisani Dlamini.
Makobane has been in Splintered Pieces among other movie productions. Nthabiseng is a young woman who joins the household of a widower named Zamani and his daughter Mbali.
Photo :Instagram
The story of Nthabiseng is about a woman whose journey revolves around sacrifices. According to promotional information released about the film, the project honors the women who help families find healing during difficult moments. The themes shown in the film makes it a fitting release.
With the talented casts featured in the movie, this could be a film to watch-out for. While full plot details have not yet been revealed, there are suggestions that viewers can expect a drama that they can relate with easily.
Photo: Instagram
According to producer Tebogo Tebxa Mabaso, the story was created to feel original. She said;
“We wanted audiences to recognise themselves in these characters, their struggles and their triumphs. Nthabiseng is ultimately a celebration of resilience, family and the quiet acts of kindness that have the power to change lives, and we are proud to bring this story to audiences,”
Nthabiseng provides an emotional story while giving audiences an opportunity to celebrate local talent. If Makobane’s past movies are anything to go by, adding Nthabiseng to your movie list will be a good idea.
Nonhle Thema has become one of South Africa’s biggest trending topics after claiming she introduced X (formerly Twitter), to the country. The statement was made during an interview on 947 Drive with Thando Thabethe. Many users are debating whether the claim was accurate or an exaggeration.
Nonhle Thema rose to fame in 2007, emerging as one of South Africa’s leading “It girls” and a prominent television presenter. While she made several statements, her remark about Twitter got more reactions. Many users on X questioned the claim. Others argued that while she may not have introduced the platform, she was among the first South African celebrities to make Twitter popular.
Photo: Instagram
Mnu Mpofana said
“Maybe one of the first South African celebrities to trend on Twitter but not introduce South Africa to Twitter. I was on Twitter around 2009 & she was trending around the end of 2011 if I’m not mistaken.”
For Ndlombango, she laughed it off saying,
“She was one of the first Black people to stay in Bryanston, first person to introduce Twitter in SA? Nonhle akame kancane man. Please.”
Several posts compared her influence with that of other South African celebrities who were active on Twitter during its early days.
Read Also: Mapaseka Koetle Says Goodbye to Dintle Nyathi as Her Scandal! Journey Ends
Another moment that attracted attention was Thando Thabethe’s facial expressions during the interview. Clips and screenshots of the radio host reacting to Thema’s comments went viral, with fans saying she is speaking the truth.
Photo: Instagram
Not everyone dismissed Thema’s comments. Some fans defended her. Those in this category argued that she had a massive television career, attended international entertainment events and built one of the country’s largest celebrity followings on Twitter. Supporters said her popularity encouraged many fans to join the platform to follow her updates, even if she did not introduce Twitter to the country.
The interview got reactions from fellow celebrities. Television personality Somizi Mhlongo joined the conversation by posting a humorous TikTok using audio linked to the interview. After some people accused him of mocking Thema, Somizi said,
“So, can’t we have fun anymore? I wasn’t mocking anything. It was a sound that I thought was nice and still think it’s nice!” he said.
Whether people agreed with Nonhle Thema’s claim or not, the interview brought one of South Africa’s most talked about media personalities back into the spotlight. The online debate continues, with opinions split between those who see her statement as an overstatement and those who believe she had the influence to achieve such a feat.
Tems Becomes First Female African Artist to Earn RIAA Diamond Certification
Didintle Makobane Takes on Nthabiseng Role in New Film Coming on Women’s Day
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