Happy New Year Zalebs, cheers to making it this far! Last year was a rollercoaster for many but the positivity in the air that came in with the new year is definitely something to look forward to. The new year brings around a chance for change but it also comes with a chance to reflect. 2021 had a number of ups but it also had its fair share of downs - these are some of our fav ups and saddest downs.
Grammy Nomination
Internationally acclaimed and local fav Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo more popularly known as Black Coffee had one of the biggest wins of the year. The DJ was nominated for his first Grammy for his sixth studio album titled Subconsciously. The DJ was nominated along with other international stars and heavy weights. He joins the elite list, alongside the likes of Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, of Grammy nominated South Africans. Hopefully he brings it home this year, either way we are still rooting for him!
Celebrity Deaths
Untimely passing of musicians Mpura and Killer Kau, this was one that rocked the nation to its core. With the rise of amapiano, the two young artists were just entering the peak of their careers and they were loved not only within the industry but nationwide as well. The Mpura and Killer Kau were involved in a fatal car accident where seven people lost their lives, they were on their way to Rustenburg to perform at a concert. As young as they were, they managed to leave their mark on the industry and they will forever be missed.
The nation also mourned the loss of legendary actor and producer Shona Ferguson who lost his battle to COVID 19, Naledi Willers who succumbed to breast cancer and anti-apartheid and human rights activist Bishop Desmond Tutu. May they continue to rest in peace.
Abuse Allegations
No one saw it coming when Mohale Motaung came out and accused his estranged husband Somizi of abuse. The two tied the knot in not one but two grand wedding ceremonies and fans got a glimpse of the second one in a Showmax special titled Somizi & Mohale: The Union. Mohale came out and said that during the course of their marriage Somizi was both physically and emotionally abusive and he even feared for his life. HECTIC. Somizi publicly denied these accusations and the two decided to settle the matter legally.
Bonang Takes NYC
Early last year our fav rockstar, Bonang disappeared from the local scene, she later took to her Instagram account to let her fans know that she had relocated to New York City to pursue her dreams. Although fans were sad about the move she continuously gave us the content we deserved of her living her best life in the big city.
Cassper Enters The Ring
South African Hip Hop Artist of the Decade finally got to enter the ring in a boxing match. Just recently Cassper got the chance to fight online troll and cyberbully Slik Talk in a boxing match that was anticipated by the whole country. After many threats and continuous bullying the rapper ‘mopped the floor’ with the Youtuber in attempts to shut him up and teach him a lesson. Pure entertainment!
So much happened that we couldn’t capture in this article but you can read more here.