This week's entertainment buzz: CTIJF 2025 highlights and Minnie Dlamini's spotlight steal
CELEB NEWS
American R&B sensation Ari Lennox serenaded the crowd at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Faud Esack and Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers
It has been another exciting week in the world of entertainment, with celebrities gracing the stages, screens and headlines.
There has been no shortage of glamour and talent on display. In this week’s round-up, we bring you the highlights from the world of celebrities.
1. Cape Town International Jazz Festival highlights
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) continued to solidify its status as Africa’s premier music showcase for the 22nd time, offering an immersive experience of world-class music, fine dining and luxury hospitality.
Held on April 25 and 26 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the 2025 edition featured international acts like Masego, who brought his unique trap jazz sound, and American R&B singer Ari Lenox, who serenaded the crowd with her powerful and soulful voice.
Local powerhouse Lira also shone, making a powerful return to the stage following a stroke that had sidelined her from performing for several years. The festival-goers showered the South African songbird with love as she took on the Kippies stage.
The buzz of the weekend carried into the week.
The 2025 edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival featured international acts like Masego and R&B sensation Ari Lennox.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
2. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour kicks off with glamour and heart
Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Cowboy Carter Tour officially debuted on Monday, April 28, at the Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, bringing the house down with its Texas Cowboy glam theme.
Queen Bey delivered a stunning performance, showcasing her latest album and belting out classic hits from her previous albums.
One of the most memorable moments came when her seven-year-old daughter Rumi Carter joined her on stage, along with Blue Ivy, during a heartfelt performance of “Protector”.
The adorable moment melted fans’ hearts, with Beyoncé gushing over her daughter’s cuteness.
Multi-award winning artist Beyoncé has fans and the internet buzzing as she kicks off the Cowboy Carter tour.
Image: X
3. Inside Chloe Bailey’s two-month film adventure in South Africa
Hollywood star Chloe Bailey has been making waves in South Africa, and it’s not just for a vacation. The talented artist recently revealed on Instagram that she has been in the country for two months, filming a movie.
Bailey wrapped up production and expressed her excitement to share the project with her fans. She poured her heart and soul into the film, dedicating herself to the character.
Chloe Bailey shares insights from her two-month filming in South Africa.
Image: Instagram
4. Minnie Dlamini reclaims her aura after split with ex-boyfriend Brian Monaisa
After parting ways with celebrity plastic surgeon Doctor Brian Monaisa, Minnie Dlamini is back on the singles list and reclaiming her aura.
The South African personality is focusing on herself and her career, emphasising that her relationship status will never define her.
Dlamini reminded her fans that she was a talented individual before her relationship and will continue to shine long after.
“My ‘anti-bride’ era … My career has never been, and will never be, defined by my relationship status. I was Minnie before marriage, and I will be Minnie long after my divorce,” she shared on X.
Minnie Dlamini has stepped into her 'anti-bride' era with confidence following her breakup with celebrity plastic surgeon.
Image: X/@MinnieDlamini
5. Rachel Kolisis’s home spared in Cape Town wildfires
Rachel Kolisi breathed a sigh of relief after the devastating wildfires swept through Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park over the weekend. Thankfully, her home was spared from the destruction.
She took to Instagram to share the good news, commending the brave firefighters and the community for their prompt assistance.
Rachel Kolisi expressed her relief that her home was not affected and commended the firefighters and community for their assistance.
Image: Instagram
6. Beloved drag queen Jiggly Caliente dies at 44 and family asks for financial support
The drag community is mourning the loss of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, fondly known as Jiggly Caliente, a talented performer known for her performance on RuPaul’s Drag Race. The reality television star died on Sunday, April 27 at the age of 44 due to complications from a serious infection that required leg amputation surgery.
Her family has announced her passing and is seeking financial support to cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and other related costs.
Drag performer Bianca Castro-Arabejo, who was known as reality television star Jiggly Caliente on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” died on Sunday, April 27 at age 44.
Image: Instagram.
7. JoJo Siwa’s relationship drama unfolds
JoJo Siwa’s appearance on "Celebrity Big Brother UK" has sparked controversy surrounding her relationship with Australian influencer Kath Ebbs.
The two had been Instagram official since January but it seems as if things have fallen apart after Siwa’s connection with US sports presenter Chris Hughes on the reality show where the two were seen displaying more than just a friendly connection.
In a now-deleted video, Ebbs opened up announcing the breakup, revealing their hurt after watching the show and over the fact that they flew across the world in support of their partner but Siwa dumped them at the show’s after party with Hughes in the next room, ouch!
Jojo Siwa and Kath Ebbs have ended their relationship following speculation about Siwa's involvement with Chris Hughes.
Image: Instagram
8. Podcast and Chill’s MacG faces backlash for controversial comments about Minnie Dlamini
Known for his controversial and provocative comments, podcaster MacG, whose real name is Macgyver Mukwevho, is facing intense backlash for his recent comments about TV presenter Minnie Dlamini on his podcast show “Podcast and Chill”.
MacG sparked outrage by making derogatory remarks about Dlamini’s recent split from Doctor Brian Monaisa, suggesting that there is “something wrong with her” and even making a crude comment about her personal hygiene, saying “maybe her coochie smells”.
Social media erupted in criticism, with users accusing him of misogyny and demanding that the popular South African podcast be shut down.
Podcast and Chill host MacG is facing backlash for his crude comments about TV personality Minnie Dlamini.
Image: Instagram
9. Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley share romantic post after going public
Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley have taken their romance to social media, sharing sweet moments from their relationship just days after going public.
The couple made their relationship Instagram official over the Easter weekend, posting a romantic photo of the two sharing a tender moment. In the photo, Cyrus affectionately kissed Hurley on the cheek, showcasing their love.
In a recent interview, Cyrus opened up about their relationship, revealing that Hurley unexpectedly reached out during a rough patch in his life.
This marked the beginning of their romance, coming after Cyrus’s short-lived marriage to Australian singer Johanna Rose Hodges, whose stage name is Firerose, which ended in divorce after just seven months.
Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley share a glimpse of their romance with fans, a few days after going public with their relationship.
Image: Instagram
10. Usher and Craig David discuss potential music collaboration
R&B legends Usher and Craig David are in talks about collaborating on a new song. The two artists shared the stage at Usher’s “Past, Present and Future” residency at London’s O2 Arena, where they performed David’s iconic hits “Fill Me In” and “7 Days”.
According to sources, they have asked their songwriters to come up with ideas for a joint project, with the possibility of David featuring on Usher’s upcoming album.
This potential collaboration comes after years of mutual admiration, with David revealing he has long dreamed of working with seasoned singer Usher since their freestyle session on a Paris radio station early in their careers.