Zozibini Tunzi will host the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 finale. She was crowned Miss Universe 2019, and will headline the grand finale scheduled for 6 June 2026. The event will be held at the Hippodrome in Harare.

Organisers believe her participation will boost the event in terms of visibility. The decision to bring in a former Miss Universe winner will promote entertainment and attract wider audience engagement outside Zimbabwe. On her Instagram profile, she wrote:

“Mhoroi, Zimbabwe! I’m so excited to share that I will be hosting the Miss Universe Zimbabwe Grand Finale. It’s my first time visiting the country, and I couldn’t be more happier to do it on stage with impeccable young women. See you there”

Photo: Instagram

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Her involvement is important for beauty contests in the continent, where former titleholders are put into public roles. In Tunzi’s case, her global recognition makes the Miss Universe Zimbabwe brand more popular. .

When Zozibini Tunzi won the award in 2019, it was a turning point in global beauty standards. She became the first Black South African woman to win the Miss Universe title. This made her known across fashion and media spaces. Since her reign, she has gone into television presenting and screen work.

Photo: Instagram

Tunzi’s hosting the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 finale brings positive light to African pageantry. It also shows how relevant she is in the entertainment industry years after her winning the beauty crown.

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.

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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.

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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.