Sam Smith has confirmed he is in a relationship, just weeks after he was seen locking lips with '13 Reasons Why' actor Brandon Flynn.

The 25-year-old singer-songwriter was seen locking lips with '13 Reasons Why' actor Brandon Flynn in New York recently and Sam has now admitted that he is loved up.

READ: Sam Smith didn't respect himself

When chat show host Ellen DeGeneres said to him during an interview: "You're not single right now anymore, right?", Sam replied, "No, I'm not, which is crazy. It's weird bringing out an album and not being single. Because when I brought out 'In the Lonely Hour' I was so lonely. But now I'm singing songs about another guy, I'm quite happy, so it's quite weird."

The pair have also spotted grabbing dinner together at Catch NYC and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Big Apple earlier this month.

Sam and Brandon, 23, held hands and enjoyed the sunshine as they walked around Greenwich Village.

Sam Smith and Brandon Flynn dating has honestly made my day. damnnnn they look so cute together I'm shook. pic.twitter.com/1IOhGnBEHu

— ً (@ThDefsoul) October 20, 2017

The duo have also recently been liking each other's posts on social media, with Sam leaving a kiss underneath one of Brandon's posts which spoke out in support of the LGBTQ community.

Sam also opened up about his controversial Academy Awards acceptance speech for Best Original Song in 2016, when he mistakenly suggested he was the first gay Oscar winner.

Speaking about his decision to take some time out of the spotlight afterwards, he said: "It all got a bit too much. After the Oscar I just really needed to hug my mom and just be with my sisters and go back home. A lot of mom snuggles.

"It all started with a hip flask basically, of tequila. I forgot to say 'Best Male Actor.' I basically said that I was the first gay person to ever win an Oscar. I obviously know I'm not. Afterward I saw Elton John at the after-party and he was like, 'I've won an Oscar.'"

American singer Janet Jackson is open to performing with Justin Timberlake at the Super Bowl, a source has claimed.

The 51-year-old singer appeared alongside Justin during the Halftime Show in 2004, but her on-stage performance was overshadowed by Justin accidentally exposing one of Janet's breasts during a dance routine, leading to a world-wide scandal.

WATCH: Janet Jackson weeps on stage in Houston

However, a source has told 'Entertainment Tonight': "The door is wide open. If Justin or his team did reach out, Janet would perform with him again in a minute."

Justin was recently confirmed as the main attraction for the Halftime Show in 2018 and in an interview following the announcement, he appeared to rule out the possibility of Janet joining him on stage.

"I love looking out and seeing all the diversity that truly unites us. This is the power of love. Let's never stop fighting for what we know is right" #stateoftheworldtour

A post shared by Janet Jackson (@janetjackson) on Oct 12, 2017 at 11:11am PDT

Asked about the scandal during his previous Superbowl appearance, Justin said: "That won't happen this time."

By contrast, the NFL has insisted Janet is not banned from the event, prompting speculation she could still make a surprise appearance at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In a statement, the NFL explained: "There's no ban. We are not going to comment on any speculation regarding potential guests. There may be no guests. Along with Pepsi, we're excited to have Justin Timberlake. Like the elite NFL players who can run, catch, and block, Justin can do it all - sing, dance, act and entertain. 

"He's the ultimate global superstar who we know will put on an entertaining and unifying show that will appeal to the massive worldwide audience."

Following the much-discussed incident in 2004, Janet issued an apology and insisted that it was a pure accident.

She said at the time: "I am really sorry if I offended anyone. That was truly not my intention ... MTV, CBS, the NFL had no knowledge of this whatsoever, and unfortunately, the whole thing went wrong in the end."

Justin also issued an apology, saying the scandal was the result of a "wardrobe malfunction".

For the first time, Cape Town will have the opportunity to experience Halloween like never before on October 28. 

The Rotary Blue Train Park in Mouille Point will be hosting their inaugural Kids Dream Fest and it promises to be a night to remember — for the living and the dead.

The Halloween Train, the first of a series of family events to be rolled out by Kids Dream Fest, will see the Atlantic Seaboard transformed into an experience that aims to excite and thrill the entire family in a safe, natural and outdoor environment. 

Inspired by the works of Tim Burton and Lewis Carrol, there will be a host of quirky characters, tunnel trolls and random confused zombie "attacks". 

For an evening of shrieks and surprises, all dreamers (and their guardians) are invited to meet under the quarter moon crescent to watch the Ghost Train emerge from the shadowlands to take you on a journey you will never forget. 

Wear your best Halloween-inspired costume, as there will be R15 000 worth of prizes for the dreamers that inspire.

Event Information:

Venue: The Rotary Blue Train Park in Mouille Point 

Time: 16:00 - 20:00

Date: 28 October 2017

Tickets: R120, available at Quicket

Last night, GQ Magazine with Jameson Select Reserve honoured South Africa's most stylish men.

Award-winning R&B singer Cici, whose real name is Busisiwe Twala, looked like a tall drink of pink champagne at the official opening of SA Fashion Week on Monday night.

A post shared by MissT (@misst_tht) on Oct 23, 2017 at 9:11pm PDT

Cici — who has kept a low public profile during the ongoing court battle between her and ex-boyfriend Arthur Mafokate — donned a blush pink evening gown as she graced the red carpet at one of the few public events she's attended since the alleged June assault, which left her with broken pelvic bones.

Read: Cici learns to walk after Arthur assault, Andile pi**ed off

Speaking to TshisaLive, the 30-year-old singer said she felt good and was ready to take charge of her life. 

"I feel good. I had to take charge of my life and not let everything come to a halt because of what was done to me. I'm very excited to be out here tonight (Monday)," she said.

According to the star, who is currently promoting her latest track, Amandla Akho, which she reportedly wrote when she was in a 'very dark place'.

Cici also performed at 2017 Vodacom CEO Awards on Sunday.

After an exciting round of public voting that generated over ten thousand votes, organiser of the third annual espYoungLegends online talent search, espAfrika, has just announced the top 5 finalist. 

The winner from the top 5, who will be selected by the public, will perform at the 19th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival ( CTIJF) in March next year. 

The espYoungLegends is a unique online competition that takes place annually. The goal of the competition is to search for the next unsigned jazz-inspired band to perform at the CTIJF. 

The band should have outstanding talent and have 2 to 6 members.

Dee Xclsv turns bad experience into valuable lesson

CTIJF Director and espAfrika Chief Operations Officer, Billy Domingo, said, “Selecting this year’s Top 5 finalists was no easy task. The variety of artists and talent was outstanding, each with their own merit and unique appeal. In the end, we narrowed down the Top 10 to five fantastic finalists with the full package, including three of the fans’ favourite contestants. 

"I believe these artists have what it takes to entertain the Cape Town International Jazz Festival’s audience, and forge a successful, long-staying career in the music industry. Now it’s up to the festinos to choose the next winner who will go on to perform at next year’s CTIJF”. 

Three of the Top 5 finalists selected by the espYoungLegends panel, were also the public’s top nominated acts. Confirming this, Bev Scott-Brown, one of the espYoungLegends judges, said: “We were impressed with the overall standard of the entries this year.  

espAfrika is proud to announce the #espYL2018 Top 5 finalists. Go to https://t.co/XoxmittIPu to cast your vote for the final winner! pic.twitter.com/5IExtawLun

— espAfrika (@espafrika) October 24, 2017

"The Top 10 did a great job with gathering their votes. The selection of the Top 5 was difficult, but we believe we have a good balance between the public favourites and the panel’s choices.  We are confident that any group out of the Top 5 selection will stand their ground at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.” 

This years top 5 contestants are Asanda Mqiki, Astrafunk & The Space Cats, Jarrad Ricketts, Just 6 and Sylvester Aklamavo & Miton Fusion Band. 

Public voting to choose the overall winner is now open at www.espafrika.com and fans have until midnight on Monday 30 October 2017 to cast their vote.

The espYoungLegends winner will be announced on Tuesday 31 October 2017 on the espafrika website and across social media. 

@LiamKarabo

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Mark Ronson is producing SZA's upcoming new album - the follow-up to her debut record 'Ctrl', which was released in June this year.

The R&B singer has revealed she has been recording with the 42-year-old super-producer - who has collaborated with the likes of Bruno Mars, Adele and the late Amy Winehouse - and that fans can also expect to hear tunes she's made with psychedelic rockers Tame Impala on the LP, the follow-up to her debut album 'Ctrl'.

READ: Sia announces Christmas album

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times newspaper, SZA - whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe - said: "I'm making an album with Tame Impala and Mark Ronson. When you try to label it, you remove the option for it to be limitless. It diminishes the music."

The 'Love Galore' hitmaker has hit out at people trying to make her music fit a certain mold with how its described, and insisted she has a huge variety of influences that help inspire the songs she writes.

She added: "People grapple with labeling me as hip hop, R&B or pop, and it's interesting to me. I'm just making music. I listen to Stevie Nicks. I love classical jazz. I love folk. I love rap. I love Modest Mouse."

SZA, 26, is looking to the future after being surprised by the way her debut full-length record was received, and she is motivated by the goal of making the next LP even better.

Admitting she is nervous about continuing her success, she explained: "I worry so much. Like, 'Damn, how can I be excellent?' But it's a journey. I have to decide what's excellent to me. Because I'm so stressed out, I have so many words. The next album is going to be the best I ever made in my life."

A woman in her 40s was arrested at the star's Beverly Hills home after allegedly trespassing on the property.

The woman, in her 40s, was apprehended by the Los Angeles Police Department at Justin's Beverly Hills estate, the third time she has visited the property in the past week looking for the 23-year-old singer. 

READ: Marilyn Manson slams 'squirrel' Justin Bieber

TMZ reports that Justin's security team detained the fan until police arrived and booked her for trespassing. Justin was at home during the incident but did not meet the woman. 

This is not the first time Justin has had to deal with fans trying to get into his home.

A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Oct 21, 2017 at 7:34am PDT

He left his Beverly Hills rental after just two months in 2015; not long after two young fans were caught sneaking on to the property.

One of the fans was celebrating her 12th birthday and she and her pal captured their "break-in" on their phones, which were reportedly confiscated by the star's security. 

And in 2014, a young woman was reportedly found sleeping in one of the bedrooms his rented Atlanta, Georgia mansion. 

She was arrested by police for criminal trespass. 

She claimed to have met Justin via Twitter and said had been invited to a birthday party at the mansion.

When she arrived to find it empty, she reportedly let herself in because the door was open.

In a video of the incident, she could be seen talking on the phone to someone, saying: "Oh got it so you also are in charge of this place right? Oh, thank you so much, I understand so ... I will be leave right now."

She also urged someone at the property not to call the police, saying: "No see I don't want to let the police reach him please."

Justin was on vacation with his father Jeremy at the time of the 2014 incident. 

The legendary kwaito star Mdu Masilela has been accused of assaulting his baby mama Sibahle Dlamini.

Masilela is reportedly out on just R500 bail after the woman he cheated on his wife with opened a case of assault against him.

The Chomi YaBana hitmaker reportedly met Dlamini last year and the pair share an eight month old baby. 

Masilela allegedly stated he paid damages to the Dlamini family since he wanted the child to carry his surname. He also allowed Dlamini and the child to stay in his house in Bramley.

Nomzamo Mbatha's tax bracket comment causes Twitter uproar

Speaking to Sowetan, Masilela revealed he had gone to evict Dlamini from the house on Saturday night when the fight broke out. "There was never any intent on my part to do any harm to her. My wife was informed”.

“The content of the discussion and her calling my wife, only to realise she knows about our meeting, led to her uncalled for outburst. In the course of the altercation and while defending myself, she might have been hurt. Nothing persisted to show intent on my part. I feel the matter can be resolved without it being for public consumption. She threw a glass of wine and hit me with many objects," he added.

Dlamini’s  pictures of the alleged abuse surfaced on social media after they were leaked by someone close to her.

Mdu Masilela is also a Woman abuser kanti???

— Rumbu_ (@Pandy_RU) October 24, 2017

According to the publication, Masilela has since offered an apology to all women in the country.

"I'm not proud of what happened over the weekend and I wish to extend my apology to women all over South Africa and the world. There are better ways to deal with disputes and disagreements.”

The Kwaito star was also arrested earlier this year for allegedly threatening to kill his wife. Masilela was accused of pulling a gun on his wife and then shooting wildly in the air.

IOL

IOL Lifestyle is giving away a Cell C Playing for Pink Ladies Invitational Polo hamper worth R3 530.

The countdown for this year’s well-established and much-anticipated Cell C Playing for Pink Ladies Invitational Polo, taking place on Saturday, 28 October 2017, has officially begun. 

Hosted at the prestigious Inanda Club, located in the heart of Sandton, this annual event promises to once again surprise and delight guests.

Now in its third year, the occasion will see some of South Africa’s biggest A-listers, influencers, sports personalities and all-round fashion enthusiasts painting the Inanda grounds in chic hues of pink - Pink Garden, to be exact – which is the theme of this year’s event. Guests in attendance can look forward to a day of pampering, gourmet food and drinks courtesy of Diageo and Ice Tropez, all set against the backdrop of an energetic polo match.

The hamper includes:

• Tickets to the event – R1300
• Les Grande Deux stud earrings from Jenni Gault International (Swarovski crystal) – R600
• Clarins Double Serum 50ml – R 1180
• Ocean Therapy Hamper –  R450.00

Venue: Inanda Club
Time: 14:00 
Date: 28 October 2017
Tickets: R650/R750 available at TicketPro

Enter the competition below:

Twitter user Shamiso —the woman accused of being a 'stocko' for the Migos while they were on the Migos Culture Tour in Johannesburg — has released a statement on social to set the record straight.

On Sunday Shamiso shared a series controversial tweets about an alleged interaction with Quavo at Taboo night club. She wrote: "Quavo just tapped me and asked me to go to his section. I just died. DIED.(sic)"

Twitter user @Zane_Da_Phoenix then tweeted that Shamiso was hired by Mabala Noise as a 'stocko' for the Migos and tweeps went to town.

READ: #MigosCultureTour disappoints Joburg fans

The claims by @Zane_Da_Phoenix came the day after the concert with Shamiso's mother even stepping in to refute the claims. 

Shamiso responded to the 'stocko' claims on Monday, in the form of several bullet points. 

In her statement she wrote that she does "not know Zane", accuses people of 'cyber bullying her', clarifies what was really happening the 'bedroom picture' and denied that she is a 'stocko' who's "carrying a Migos baby".

How could that guy be Offset or Quavo because both of them got tattoos on their Arms this Shamiso girl is trying to fool us hey pic.twitter.com/ToJKVeg2SU

— Dustman (@Dustman_Dj) October 22, 2017

See the full statement below: 

And that’s it. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/9cYtPBmdK3

— Shameless. (@Shamiso_) October 23, 2017

PETA have slammed Kris Jenner for wearing fur in a new picture.

The 61-year-old showbiz matriarch posed for a new photograph wearing a fur wrap, with a snakeskin bag and leather boots and PETA (People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals) took to Twitter to hit out at her.

Sharing the picture, PETA added images of a white fox, snake and a calf and wrote: "You're doing amazing being evil, sweetie. CC: Kris Jenner."

You’re doing amazing being evil, sweetie. CC: Kris Jenner pic.twitter.com/WLljaVHvSB

— PETA (@peta) October 23, 2017

Meanwhile, Pamela Anderson recently revealed that Kris' daughter Kim Kardashian West has ignored her letter begging her to stop wearing fur. 

The former 'Baywatch' actress - who is a long-time vegan and animal rights activists - penned the 37-year-old reality TV star a note recently urging her to omit animal skin, including leather, fur, feathers and suede, from her wardrobe and to show more compassion to the innocent creatures being slaughtered purely for fashion.

However, her pleas have so far gone unanswered.

The 50-year-old star said: "Girl to girl, I think Kim has a great heart and I know she's a great influencer ... I wrote Kim Kardashian a letter and I spoke to her at fashion week. No response yet. I talk to Melania [Trump], many people that are in the public eye, to dress more compassionately because you're a role model."

And in 2012, Kris' daughter Khloe cut ties with PETA after learning that the animal-rights activist who flour-bombed Kim had links to the group.

She said: "Not only has PETA lied to the public, but they have proved that they support this kind of behaviour. I've been a vocal supporter of PETA for a long time but I have also been very vocal about anti-bullying, so this was a huge disappointment for me."

The 'Transformers' filmmaker Michael Bay is set to helm a live-action movie based around the children's TV series 'Dora the Explorer'.

The 52-year-old filmmaker is best known for helming the 'Transformers' franchise, and after he claimed he is over the Autobot movies, Bay is instead turning his attention to another much loved children's franchise.

'Dora the Explorer' is a children's television programme which first aired in 2000 and is based around the adventures of the titular Spanish-speaking girl, her monkey Boots, her Backpack and other animated friends.

In each episode, Dora would go on an adventure in an animated world set inside a computer and the titular character would ask for viewers' help in solving a puzzle or mystery she faced, teaching children both basic Spanish and puzzle solving skills.

Bay's Platinum Dunes label and his partners Andrew Form and Brad Fuller are reportedly producing the movie with director Nick Stoller, who will be penning the script.

Although the TV series focused on a young Dora, the live-action movie will centre around the titular character as a teenager who moves to the city to live with her cousin Diego, who also had his own spin-off show 'Go Diego Go'.

Paramount Pictures are looking to distribute the movie, as the studio is devoted to creating films from the Viacom brands including Nickelodeon - on which 'Dora The Explorer' aired - MTV, Comedy Central and BET.

'Dora the Explorer' ran for 14 years and was geared towards the younger viewers, with the franchise also branching out into dolls, video games and merchandise.

The live-action movie is slated to be released in 2019.

A post shared by 🇰🇼 Movies - TV Shows 🇰🇼 (@neomovies) on Oct 24, 2017 at 6:34am PDT

Although Bay has left the 'Transformers' franchise, a sixth still scheduled for a summer 2019 release date even though the planned blockbuster is yet to get a director.

The fifth film in the franchise 'Transformers: The Last Knight' is the last movie to be directed by Bay who will not be returning for the next sequel.

Paramount and Hasbro, who own the rights to the brand, are moving ahead with the next movie and are confident they can find the right director to helm the project and stick to their proposed release schedule.

Twitter user Shamiso —the woman accused of being a 'stocko' for the Migos while they were on the Migos Culture Tour in Johannesburg — has released a statement on social to set the record straight.

On Sunday Shamiso shared a series controversial tweets about an alleged interaction with Quavo at Taboo night club. She wrote: "Quavo just tapped me and asked me to go to his section. I just died. DIED.(sic)"

Twitter user @Zane_Da_Phoenix then tweeted that Shamiso was hired by Mabala Noise as a 'stocko' for the Migos and tweeps went to town.

READ: #MigosCultureTour disappoints Joburg fans

The claims by @Zane_Da_Phoenix came the day after the concert with Shamiso's mother, radio personality Azania Mosaka even stepping in to refute the claims. 

Shamiso responded to the 'stocko' claims on Monday, in the form of several bullet points. 

In her statement she wrote that she does "not know Zane", accuses people of 'cyber bullying her', clarifies what was really happening the 'bedroom picture' and denied that she is a 'stocko' who's "carrying a Migos baby".

How could that guy be Offset or Quavo because both of them got tattoos on their Arms this Shamiso girl is trying to fool us hey pic.twitter.com/ToJKVeg2SU

— Dustman (@Dustman_Dj) October 22, 2017

See the full statement below: 

And that’s it. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/9cYtPBmdK3

— Shameless. (@Shamiso_) October 23, 2017

Award-winning R&B singer Cici, whose real name is Busisiwe Twala, looked like a tall drink of pink champagne at the official opening of SA Fashion Week on Monday night.

A post shared by MissT (@misst_tht) on Oct 23, 2017 at 9:11pm PDT

Cici — who has kept a low public profile during the ongoing court battle between her and ex-boyfriend Arthur Mafokate — donned a blush pink evening gown as she graced the red carpet at one of the few public events she's attended since the alleged June assault, which left her with broken pelvic bones.

Read: Cici learns to walk after Arthur assault, Andile pi**ed off

Speaking to TshisaLive, the 30-year-old singer said she felt good and was ready to take charge of her life. 

"I feel good. I had to take charge of my life and not let everything come to a halt because of what was done to me. I'm very excited to be out here tonight (Monday)," she said.

According to the star, who is currently promoting her latest track, Amandla Akho, which she reportedly wrote when she was in a 'very dark place'.

Cici also performed at 2017 Vodacom CEO Awards on Sunday.

The 'Transformers' filmmaker Michael Bay is set to helm a live-action movie based around the children's TV series 'Dora the Explorer'.

The 52-year-old filmmaker is best known for helming the 'Transformers' franchise, and after he claimed he is over the Autobot movies, Bay is instead turning his attention to another much loved children's franchise.

'Dora the Explorer' is a children's television programme which first aired in 2000 and is based around the adventures of the titular Spanish-speaking girl, her monkey Boots, her Backpack and other animated friends.

In each episode, Dora would go on an adventure in an animated world set inside a computer and the titular character would ask for viewers' help in solving a puzzle or mystery she faced, teaching children both basic Spanish and puzzle solving skills.

Bay's Platinum Dunes label and his partners Andrew Form and Brad Fuller are reportedly producing the movie with director Nick Stoller, who will be penning the script.

Although the TV series focused on a young Dora, the live-action movie will centre around the titular character as a teenager who moves to the city to live with her cousin Diego, who also had his own spin-off show 'Go Diego Go'.

Paramount Pictures are looking to distribute the movie, as the studio is devoted to creating films from the Viacom brands including Nickelodeon - on which 'Dora The Explorer' aired - MTV, Comedy Central and BET.

'Dora the Explorer' ran for 14 years and was geared towards the younger viewers, with the franchise also branching out into dolls, video games and merchandise.

The live-action movie is slated to be released in 2019.

A post shared by 🇰🇼 Movies - TV Shows 🇰🇼 (@neomovies) on Oct 24, 2017 at 6:34am PDT

Although Bay has left the 'Transformers' franchise, a sixth still scheduled for a summer 2019 release date even though the planned blockbuster is yet to get a director.

The fifth film in the franchise 'Transformers: The Last Knight' is the last movie to be directed by Bay who will not be returning for the next sequel.

Paramount and Hasbro, who own the rights to the brand, are moving ahead with the next movie and are confident they can find the right director to helm the project and stick to their proposed release schedule.

Johannesburg - Three men - Mfundo Nkosi, Bongani Masumbuka and Solly Mukhuba - who were allegedly involved in the murder of Rhythm City star Dumi Masilela are expected to appear at the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. 

Masilela died in hospital on August 3, after he was shot in an attempted hijacking outside Johannesburg.

At the time, Gauteng police said that Masilela and a friend sped off after they were approached by attackers in a Jeep in Tembisa on August 2. The men responded by firing at them. Masilela was at the wheel and his friend took him to hospital.

At the time, Masilela’s younger brother Mbongeni confirmed that he spent the night in hospital fighting for his life.

He recently married actress Simphiwe Ngema.

On September 8, the court heard that fingerprint successfully linked one of the two men arrested in connection with the attempted hijacking to the incident.

Prosecutor Lumka Phoswa said that one set of fingerprints that were found in the hijacked Jeep Wrangler that was apparently involved in the incident was positively linked to Mfundo Nkosi. 

Nkosi and Bongani Masombuka were found in possession of a hijacked Jeep Wrangler which was allegedly used in the attempted hijacking of Masilela, as well as in possession of an unlicensed firearm. The duo are facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The court heard that Masombuka was linked with cellphone records.

Phoswa added that the second set of fingerprints were suspected to belong to a man who was in custody at the Germiston Police Station after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm that Nkosi claimed was used to shoot at Masilela.

African News Agency

Being the lead in the midst of all these great people was amazing. Every moment was a learning curve.

The singer-actress is a wonderful mix of talented, hungry and vivacious. And she has that sought-after cover-girl look.

In fact, the 20-something initially found herself in the spotlight as a contestant in season one of Clash of the Choirs South Africa and this year made some noise on Idols SA.

She also proved her mettle with compelling performances as Zwi in Uzalo and as Nandi Nkabinde in The Alliance.

Dumi Masilela murder trial postponed

This brings us to her plum role as Khanyisile Khumalo in She is King, a musical drama that follows the trials and tribulations of a star in the making.

“I played Mxolisi’s girlfriend in Uzalo. I think that’s where the people started liking me. Then I did The Alliance and now the movie.”

Shedding more light on her movie character, she reveals, “Khanyisile is from KwaZulu-Natal. She hears about an audition in Johannesburg and wants to try out for it. And she follows her dream. Of course, there are many challenges along the way. 

ThickLeeyonce in tears after #SAFW runway debut bullying

Her father isn’t in support of her going. She doesn’t have a place to stay after her audition. And there are relationship problems, too.”

The premise is centred on Khanyisile’s rags-to-riches journey after she bags a role in a new musical stage production and happens to attract the attention of the best-looking dancer - a soap star named Luyanda (played by Mbuso Kgarebe). This doesn’t sit well with the leading lady and so the obstacles abound.

There are many reasons why Zulu is thrilled about this movie. Aside from it being her first feature film, she is working with big names like Mike Mvelase, Sophie Ndaba, Aubrey Poo, Khabonina Qubeka and Khanyi Mbau.

“Oh my word, it was really amazing,” she enthuses. “You would think because they are such prominent actors and actresses that they would treat me differently. It was the opposite. They welcomed me and we worked well together.”

She made special mention of director Gersh Kgamedi and producer Nicola Rauch, who helped her get into the skin of her character.

“I’ve never worked with a director and producer who pushed me,” she says. “They would take time to explain the emotions needed for a scene. My director brought the best out of me in this movie. The whole shoot was pretty memorable for me. And being the lead in the midst of all these great people was amazing. Every moment was a learning curve.”

Although Zulu is loving her time in front of the camera, she is also pushing her music career as part of The Nameless Band, an Afro-pop group. They launched their The Greatest Hits release a few months ago.

Back to her movie character: she says Khanyisile’s “fashion disaster to fashionasta” wardrobe reflects her rags-to-riches journey.

“At first, she doesn’t have any fashion sense,” Zulu explains. “She doesn’t even care about wearing a bra. She’s a village girl. She goes from really drab to fab to fit into Joburg. A lot of people can relate to her, as there are dreams crushed and dreams made every day.”

As for what she will be wearing to Thursday’s movie premiere in Joburg, she admits: “Oh my Lord, I’m not sure. I still have to figure that one out. It has to be a beautiful dress, something elegant and sexy.”

Her date? That would be her proud mum and entire family.

“It’s going to be a family thing,” she laughs.

She is King has been described as Smash-meets-The Lion King.

* And there is plenty of star-clout to ensure foot traffic in theatres when the movie is released in December.

@globetrotter_SA

IOL