The Prelude to the 2024 Olympic Games at the Fondation Louis Vuitton was a night to remember, thanks to Tyla’s electrifying presence.

The singer brought a burst of popstar energy, making the event feel like a nostalgic trip back to the early MTV VMAs eras.

TYLA TURNS UP THE HEAT
Despite the summer heat, Tyla turned heads in a black velvet tracksuit adorned with the iconic Louis Vuitton damier pattern.

 

She completed the sporty yet glamorous look with black pumps featuring a gold pointy toe, according to Vogue.

Tyla’s fashion choice was a statement, blending luxury and athleticism seamlessly.

Tyla’s accessories were equally medal-worthy. She sported a gold chain belt around her hips.

She added a choker made of large gold hoops with a prominent damier pendant, tying her look together with a touch of opulence.

TYLA AND OTHER CELEBRITY GUESTS
The Prelude to the 2024 Olympic Games promised to be a spectacular event, according to the Express Tribune.

Celebrity co-hosts Charlize Theron, Serena Williams, Rosalía, and Omar Sy ensured a glamorous start.

The guest list was a star-studded affair, featuring athletes like LeBron James, rock legends like Mick Jagger, actors like Zendaya, and designers like Christian Louboutin.

The venue, designed by Frank Gehry, was adorned with arcade games and gourmet bites.

It created a festive atmosphere. But it was Tyla’s surprise performance that truly elevated the evening.

TYLA’S PERFROMANCE
Taking the stage in her sporty-chic ensemble, she delivered an energetic performance of Thata Ahh followed by Jump.

The crowd, including a few guests attempting to mimic her choreography, was enthralled, according to Hello Magazine.

Tyla capped her performance with her chart-topping hit Water, leaving everyone in high spirits.

“She brought such an infectious energy to the stage,” said a delighted attendee. “Tyla made the night unforgettable.”

ESSENCE OF THE EVENING
The event was hosted by LVMH chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault, Comcast NBCUniversal chairman and CEO Brian Roberts.

Grammy-winner and Louis Vuitton men’s creative director Pharrell Williams, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour, were also in attendance.

It made the night one of glamour and excitement.

Her Y2K-inspired outfit and dynamic performance perfectly captured the essence of the evening.

THE OLYMPIC GAMES
As she left the stage, the buzz among the guests was palpable.

“She really knows how to command a stage,” remarked another guest. “Tyla’s performance was the perfect start to the Olympic celebrations.”

Tyla’s presence at the Prelude to the 2024 Olympic Games not only added a touch of popstar glamour but also set the tone for the upcoming Olympics.

The night was a blend of fashion, music, and star power, with Tyla at its centre.

The Prelude to the 2024 Olympic Games was more than just a party; it was a celebration of style, talent, and the spirit of the Olympics.

And Tyla, with her popstar flair, was the undisputed star of the show.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE TYLA SONG?

From her marriage to her career, here’s five things to know about Miss SA 2005 Nokuthula Thuli Sithole.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THULI SITHOLE
THULI SITHOLE IS A DAUGHTER OF A SURGEON
The beauty queen’s father was a surgeon, who tragically passed away in June 2005.

SHE IS MULTITALENTED
Thuli is a jack of many trades. She is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and life coach. The beauty queen also runs Uthukon Concierge – a lifestyle management company that helps organise clients’ shopping amongst its services, according to Sowetan Live.

 

THULI MARRIED A SWATI PRINCE
She went on to marry Swati Prince Cedza Dlamini. The pair have two children. However, she had issues with Prince Dlamini but turned her pain into power and became a motivational speaker.

SHE STUDIED ENGINEERING AT WITS
At the time of her crowing, she was studying engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). However, her LinkedIn account states she studied Urban and Regional planning from 2002 to 2006.

“My career ambition is to complete my studies and create awareness of women in the construction industry. I aim to be a businesswoman who will use her skills in construction to better my country and empower youth and women in various sectors, such as social and economic development,” she said to IOL in 2006.

Celine Dion, the iconic Canadian singer, made a stunning return to the stage during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Performing from the first stage of the Eiffel Tower, Dion captivated the audience with her rendition of Edith Piaf’s classic, L’Hymne à l’amour.

 

CELINE DION IN PARIS
Her performance was nothing short of breathtaking, marking a significant comeback after a prolonged hiatus due to health issues.

Dion dazzled in a beaded white gown adorned with tassels, her voice soaring through the Parisian night.

Her powerful delivery of the timeless classic left the audience in awe.

Kelly Clarkson, serving as a commentator for NBC, was momentarily speechless before praising Dion as “a vocal athlete”, according to CNNCELINE DION’S FIGHTING SPIRIT
This performance was particularly poignant as it was Dion’s first concert since she revealed her battle with stiff person syndrome.

This rare, progressive neurological disorder affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord.

In December 2022, Dion announced she would be stepping back from her professional commitments to focus on her health.

She confessed that the condition prevented her from singing as she used to.

CELINE DION’S LAST LIVE PERFORMANCE
The last time Dion performed live was in March 2020, in New Jersey.

Her return at the Olympics marked a significant moment for her fans and herself, according to Washington Post.

The superstar has always been known for her resilience and determination, traits she showcased yet again with this performance.

LADY GAGA ALSO PERFORMS
Lady Gaga kicked off the Olympic event with a dazzling performance along the Seine river.

She sang “Mon truc en plume,” a tribute to Zizi Jeanmaire, France’s leading lady of Music Hall performances in the 1950s.

Gaga’s performance set the tone for an evening of spectacular entertainment.

HEALTH CHALLENGES
Last month, Dion shared more about her struggles with stiff person syndrome while promoting her new documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, released on Amazon.

In an interview with NBC’s Hoda Kotb, Dion described the challenges of living with the condition.

She said it feels “like somebody is strangling you” when she tries to sing.

The spasms can affect various parts of her body, including her abdomen, spine, and ribs.

Despite these challenges, Celine Dion has not let her diagnosis sideline her completely.

HOPE AND PERSERVERANCE
She made an appearance at the Grammy Awards earlier this year, presenting the final trophy of the evening.

Her determination to return to performing has been unwavering. In her documentary, she stated, “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. And I won’t stop. I won’t stop.”

Celine Dion’s return to the stage at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was a testament to her fighting spirit, according to the Daily Mail.

Her performance was a highlight of the ceremony, symbolising hope and perseverance.

As the night ended with Dion’s powerful voice echoing through Paris, it was clear that the superstar was back and stronger than ever.

This performance at the Olympics will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in her illustrious career.

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF HER PERFORMANCE?

Former ‘Skeem Saam’ actor Cornet Mamabolo, who played Tbose Maputla, posted a video on social media showing himself playing as a woman.

Talented actor Cornet Mamabolo, who played the first Tbose Maputla in Skeem Saam took to Twitter on Thursday, 6 July to share a video of himself dressed as a woman.

 
Cornet Mamabolo, well known for his performances as Lerumo and Tbose Maputla in The River and Skeem Saam, confirmed in the video that he’s playing but did not reveal if he was dressed as his next character.

“We are all allowed to play, right?” tweeted the well-known actor.

‘Whatsup this is Cornet aka Aus Connie, the gossip has it, it’s going be lit, hair on fleek, make up on fleek with the vosho,’ the actress says in the video.It’s unclear whether Mamabolo has a new profession or is simply entertaining his admirers on social media.

Cornet Mamabolo, the former Skeem Saam actor, also made headlines on Tuesday, 4 July, when he rushed to Twitter to support actor Hungani Ndlovu, who took over the role of Thabo ‘Tbose’ Maputla.

“Risk. risk. risks! Bag of tricks (invite memory), artistry, and play! Play Sir Hungani Ndlovu, it’s too soon to take anything to heart. Play my brothe, Just Play. Coz that’s what it is, a play! Our profession requires us to play and when we are tired of playing we tap out,” tweeted Mamabolo.

The former The River actor Cornet Mamabolo, encouraged actor Hungani Ndlovu, who took over the role of Thabo ‘Tbose’ Maputla in Skeem Saam season 12.

Mamabolo told Ndlovu to keep doing his best and said it’s too soon to take anything to heart after the star received mixed reviews this week.

According to TshisaLIVE, actor Hungani Ndlovu thanked Mamabolo for his support: “My brother, it’s the only way.” The game has begun! I’m not going to take anything personally today or tomorrow. We’ve been doing this for decades, you know. “I admire you, king.”

Fans of the soapie also noticed that he blended Sepedi and English and concluded that this was done on purpose because the most recent Tbose Maputla was overseas and spoke English a lot more than the previous character.

On the evening of July 24, 2024, the much-anticipated nominees for the 7th edition of Winnie Ntshaba’s Royalty Soapie Awards were unveiled on SABC 1. The announcement came through Skeem Saam stars Hellen Motsuki and Eric Macheru, capturing the attention of television enthusiasts nationwide.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria, with the event expected to be broadcast on SABC 1. Details regarding the specific broadcast timing will be confirmed in due course.

 

 
Leading this year’s nominations are 1Magic’s The River and S3’s The Estate, garnering 24 and 22 nominations, respectively. Following closely are Scandal! and Skeem Saam, each securing 17 nods. Notably, The Black Door, which occupied this position last year, has been surpassed.

In a noticeable shift, newcomers to the nominations include Umkhokha: The Curse, Redemption, Isitha: The Enemy, Diepe Waters, and Gqeberha: The Empire. Additionally, previous contenders such as Uzalo, Muvhango, and Arendsvlei did not receive nominations this year, having participated in the previous edition.

The nominees were selected from the 2022/2023 soapie season, with only those shows that entered the awards being considered for nomination. Below is a summary of the leading nominees:

The River: 24 nominations
The Estate: 22 nominations
Scandal!: 17 nominations
Skeem Saam: 17 nominations
The Royalty Soapie Awards continue to celebrate excellence in South African television, and this year’s nominations reflect a dynamic landscape with both veteran and new entrants vying for recognition. As the ceremony approaches, excitement builds within the industry and among viewers alike.

Here is the complete list of nominees:
Outstanding Daily TV Drama

DiepCity

Gomora

House of Zwide

Isitha: The Enemy

Redemption

The River

Outstanding Lead Actress

Zikhona Sodlaka as Bulelwa Mxenge in Gqeberha: The Empire

Nomvelo Makhanya as Lindiwe Ngema in Scandal!

Elizabeth Serunye as Jacobeth in Skeem Saam

Jo-anne Reyneke as Lwandle Mthethwa-Nzimande in The Estate

Sindi Dlathu as Lindiwe Dlamini-Dikana in The River

Deli Malinga as Mamzobe in Umkhokha: The Curse

Outstanding Lead Actor

Motlatsi Mafatshe as Molefe in House of Zwide

Themba Ndaba as PS Simon in Redemption

Melusi Mbele as JoJo Kubeka in Scandal!

Sello Maake Ka-Ncube as Kganyago in Skeem Saam

Aubrey Poo as Mbongeni “Castro” Kamanga in The Estate

Siyabonga Thwala as Bangizwe Zwane in The River

Outstanding Female Villain

Khabonina Qubeka as Oby Abudu in Generations: The Legacy

Connie Chiume as Sonto in Gomora

Linda Sebezo as Rebecca Mabuza in Isitha: The Enemy

Nokuthula Ledwaba as Angelina Mthombeni in The River

Sindi Dlathu as Lindiwe Dlamini-Dikana in The River

Deli Malinga as Mamzobe in Umkokha: The Curse

Outstanding Male Villain

André Odendaal as Andries Richter in Binnelanders

Mduduzi Mabaso as Mgedeza in DiepCity

Lindani Nkosi as Chief Ngwenya in Isitha: The Enemy

Otto Nobela as Pablo in Scandal!

Cornet Mamabolo as Lerumo in The River

Bheki Mkhwane as Bukhosi Hlophe in The River

Outstanding Supporting Actress

Bianca Amato as Ewa Wozniak / Andrea Hayden in Binnelanders

Sannah Mchunu as Zodwa in Gomora

Harriet Manamela as Meikie in Skeem Saam

Modiehi Didie Makobane as Tsholofelo Kau in The Estate

Galaletsang Gina Koffman as Beauty Diphoko in The River

Matshepo Sekgopi as Dimpho Mokoena in The River

Outstanding Supporting Actor

Crispen Nyathi as Charleston in DiepCity

Ayanda Makayi as Stokkie in Gqeberha: The Empire

Linda Nxumalo as Sokalezwe in House of Zwide

Zenzo Ngqobe as Nimrod in Redemption

Andrian Mazive as Nkedama Kamanga in The Estate

Mpho Sebeng as Skhumbuzo Biyela-Mokobane in The Estate

Outstanding Newcomer

Six Nyamane as Nozipho Cele in Generations: The Legacy

Nefisa Mkhabela as Ona in House of Zwide

N’kone Mametja as Refiloe in Redemption

Lebohang Mgidi as Linda in Scandal!

Lethabo Mekoa as Ntswaki in Skeem Saam

Mahlatse Moropo as Letetswe in Skeem Saam

Outstanding Young Performer

Karabo Magongwa as Keletso in House of Zwide

Zekhethelo Zondi as Nqobile in Scandal!

Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane as Tebello in Scandal!

Jadon Booysen as Carlo Daniels in Suidooster

Caleb Arnolds as Brendan Carelse in Suidooster

Ontireste Radipabe as Martha in The Black Door

Outstanding Couple

Sannah Mchunu as Zodwa and Thulani Mtsweni as Bongani in Gomora

Kwanele Mthethwa as Faith and Yonda Thomas as Sabelo Booi in Redemption

Nomvelo Makhanya as Lindiwe Ngema and Mathews Rantsoma as Nhlamulo Masi in Scandal!

Molobane Maja as Mrs Kgomo and Lebohang Elephant as Mr Kgomo in Skeem Saam

Sibonginkosi Tenza as Nandi Mkhize and Zamani Mbatha as Khaya Sokhulu in The Black Door

Lerato Mvelase as Noxolo Nobengela and Dumisani Mbebe as Melisizwe Nobengela in The Estate

Outstanding Art Direction

7de Laan

Gomora

House of Zwide

Scandal!

The Estate

The River

Outstanding Editing Team

DiepCity

Isitha: The Enemy

Scandal!

Skeem Saam

The Estate

The River

Outstanding Casting

Binnelanders

DiepCity

House of Zwide

Isitha: The Enemy

Scandal!

The Black Door

Outstanding Sound Mixing and Editing

Binnelanders

Generations: The Legacy

House of Zwide

Skeem Saam

The Estate

The River

Outstanding Directing Team

Diepe Waters

Gomora

House of Zwide

The Estate

The River

Umkhokha: The Curse

Outstanding Lighting Direction

7de Laan

House of Zwide

Isitha: The Enemy

The Black Door

The Estate

The River

Outstanding Cinematography

Diepe Waters

Gomora

Isitha: The Enemy

Redemption

The Estate

The River

Outstanding Make-Up and Hairstyling

7de Laan

Binnelanders

House of Zwide

Isitha: The Enemy

Suidooster

The Estate

Outstanding Writing Team

DiepCity

Isitha: The Enemy

Scandal!

Skeem Saam

The Estate

The River

Outstanding Wardrobe

Gqeberha: The Empire

House of Zwide

Isitha: The Enemy

Suidooster

The Black Door

The Estate

PUBLIC VOTING CATEGORIES:
Voting details under each category
Voting opened on 24 July and closes on 16 August 2024 at 18h30.