Showbiz
MaWhoo is Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador for July
South African singer and songwriter MaWhoo has stepped into her power as she’s been crowned Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Ambassador for July 2025. She joins a growing list of African women who are shaping the sound of now.
MaWhoo earned widespread acclaim for her soulful, spiritual sound that blends amapiano rhythms with deeply rooted Zulu influences. Her emotive vocal style and powerful storytelling have made her a standout voice in South Africa’s music scene, with collaborations alongside leading artists such as DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, and Sam Deep.
The EQUAL Africa initiative is part of Spotify’s broader commitment to spotlighting woman creators and driving equity in the music industry by providing tools and resources to promote gender parity
“When you’re selected for something like this, it means your name is being mentioned in rooms even when you’re not there,” MaWhoo said. “It speaks to the growth of my career from being overlooked to now being recognised on such a powerful platform. I’m grateful and deeply honoured.”
Raised in KwaZulu-Natal, MaWhoo born Thandeka Ngema discovered her passion for music early in life. But it was the release of her first professional single “Umshado” in 2018 that confirmed her path. Despite facing creative suppression in the early days of her career, she refused to give up, instead choosing to follow her calling with purpose and determination
We sat down with MaWhoo to learn more about her and her music:
What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
People didn’t know I can cook really well until I started posting food content on my socials. I can also braid and plait hair. I know how to do different hairstyles. I used to do it a lot when I was younger and when I was in high school, people even used to pay me. Another thing is that I can design clothes from scratch. I’m a designer and I used to own a boutique store.
When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?
In 2018 when I released my first professional song “Umshado”, the positive feedback from people and the reception to the track made me realise that I can do this thing. But I’ve always been passionate about music from a young age.
There was a time when people used to make me do music and a sound that didn’t resonate with me; I couldn’t be creative fully and be expressive so people used to assume I couldn’t sing or that I wasn’t talented. I was often bullied and that made me stressed, but instead of leaving music I carried on and didn’t give up. I used that to push myself.
I believe the gift for music is a calling. I pursued music so I can express myself. I wanted to motivate, encourage and heal people with my voice. When I see genuine and heartfelt reactions from people, like seeing someone crying tears because of me and the lyrics that I write, it keeps me going.
Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
I used to love Umgqumeni when I was younger. Umgqumeni is a late Maskandi artist that shaped the genre and inspired a lot of the artists making music right now.
I also used to listen to Thobekile, she makes traditional gospel music and is very spiritual.
To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style?
My voice is powerful, authentically African and bold. My writing is resonant. I would describe my sound as spiritual, emotive and versatile. I’m inspired by different African sounds and I’m not restricted to one genre or style of music.
Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
When you first start anything, it always feels impossible. So, if you have a dream, keep pushing and working towards it. Also, follow your heart – your heart will tell you if something is meant for you. Don’t do it for your family or friends, do it for you. They always say you don’t work a day when you do something you love, so it’s important to chase your dreams.
How do you navigate the music space as a woman artist and how does your unique perspective shape your artistry?
By empowering myself. I’m not afraid to take charge. I’m my own boss. I make decisions that make me happy. I don’t do things to please other people. I always put myself and my happiness first. I don’t do anything that’s going to make me feel uncomfortable. When I feel like the space I’m in or around is not working for me, I walk away.
I come from a very humble and loving family that has taught me a lot of things. My mother taught me that she can guide and tell me what’s right or wrong but she won’t control or dictate what I do with my life because I go out into the world on my own. She taught me that actions have consequences, good or bad, so I have to make my own decisions. Those teachings have taught me to respect everyone and treat people equally.
A quote from you about your experience navigating the male-dominated world of music and what being a part of the EQUAL programme means to you
As a woman, even beyond the music industry, there are challenges that we face. We are subjected to being wanted and approached by men promising us love or looking for intimacy, even in professional settings. As women, learn to stand your ground and say no. Teach people to respect you and your decisions. Don’t do things because you want to please others and want to be favoured, don’t sell your soul.
I believe that when you are selected for anything it means you are doing something right. It makes me happy, it means my name comes up in rooms even when I’m not there. It means there are people who think and consider me for such opportunities. It also speaks to the growth of my career over the years. When I first started I was a nobody, no one believed in me, including my own family because they were of the traditional belief of going to school and maybe becoming a teacher. But I persisted and pushed. I’m grateful and thankful for being recognised for such an important programme.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Veteran Nigerian actor, Mr Kola Oyewo, is reported to have breathed his last at the age of 80.
A popular Nollywood actor, Mr Kunle Afod, confirmed the news of the passing of the scholar, dramatist and filmmaker on Friday in a post on his Instagram page.
Before his passing, Mr Afod recently visited the university teacher at his residence, where he made monetary donations to him.
In his post on Friday, he announced the death of the thespian, saying “Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow.”
“His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” he further wrote.
Recall that in an interview with Mr Afod, the deceased disclosed how his battle with prostate enlargement affected his acting career, which spanned over six decades.
Mr Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group after he was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State.
During his lifetime, he acted in several movies, including Saworoide, Super Story, Sango, and Koseegbe, amongst others. He also played the role of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s play, The Gods Are Not to Blame.
In 1996, he became a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University and retired in September 2011 as a senior lecturer. He later moved to Redeemer’s University as the Head of the Department of Dramatic Art. He later worked at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, as a performing arts lecturer.
Big Brother Naija Reunion is on, the World Cup tournament is kicking off, or that new DStv/GOtv series everyone has been talking about just dropped, and somehow, you’re not at home. Maybe you’re in traffic, at work, or just not near a TV. In moments like these, the real question is no longer “what’s showing?” but “how do I not miss it?”
That shift is precisely why the DStv and GOtv Stream have become more than just viewing platforms. They are now part of how people actually experience television on the move, at home, on phones, and in real time.”
Whether it’s someone trying to catch a live show while commuting, watching highlights during a break at work, or simply preferring to stream directly from their device instead of using a decoder, these apps have quietly changed how entertainment is consumed.
But beyond streaming and access, many users still don’t fully understand how to navigate them properly. Here’s a simple guide.
1. Getting Started
Download the DStv Stream or GOtv Stream app from your device’s app store and sign in using your DStv or GOtv account details.
Once you’re logged in, you’ll land on the home page, where you’ll find a mix of live TV, recommended content, trending titles, and recently added shows.
2. Watching Live TV
One of the easiest ways to use the platform is through the Live TV section.
Simply:
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Tap on Live TV
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Browse available channels
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Select the channel you want
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Start watching instantly
This is especially useful for:
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Big Brother Naija live broadcasts
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Football matches and tournaments
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News coverage
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Reality shows
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Live events
You can move between channels just as you would on a decoder.
3. Finding Shows and Movies
For viewers who already know what they want to watch, the search feature offers a quick way to find specific shows, movies, channels, or sporting events without scrolling through categories.
The platform also organizes content into categories, making it easier to discover something new.
4. Catch Up on Missed Episodes
If you missed an episode because you were busy, the catch-up feature allows you to watch selected programs after they have aired. Instead of waiting for reruns, you can simply search for the show and pick up right where you left off. This feature is especially useful during busy periods when it can be difficult to keep up with daily shows.
5. Explore Recommended and Trending Content
The home page regularly highlights:
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Trending shows
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Newly added content
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Popular movies
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Recommended titles based on viewing habits
If you’re not sure what to watch next, this section can help you discover content you may have otherwise missed.
6. Accessing Showmax Content
One of the biggest additions to the streaming experience is the integration of Showmax content.
Viewers can now access a wide range of Showmax movies, series, and entertainment content directly through the streaming platform, making it easier to move between live TV and on-demand viewing without constantly switching services.
From international blockbusters to local favorites, there’s significantly more content available to explore.
7. Creating a Personal Viewing Experience
The platform allows users to:
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Continue watching from where they stopped
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Save favorite content
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Browse viewing history
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Discover personalized recommendations
This makes it easier to keep track of ongoing series and find content that matches your interests.
With the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream, live channels, catch-up viewing, on-demand entertainment, and Showmax content are all available in one place, making it easier than ever to watch what you want, when you want, and wherever you are.
The Big Brother Naija Season 10 reunion kicked off yesterday, and honestly, nobody was prepared for how quickly things went from zero to heated. From unresolved tensions to emotional confessions, it looks like the housemates came ready to finally say everything they’ve been holding back.
If episode one is anything to go by, the rest of the reunion is set to be explosive.
Here are some of the highlights from Episode 1 of the reunion:
Sabrina opened up about her early exit, saying that if she had stayed longer, viewers would have seen more of her personality, and that a love interest storyline likely wouldn’t have happened.
Tracy reflected on her time in the house, admitting she didn’t feel emotionally prepared for the experience. She also expressed that while she wanted a deeper connection with Kuture, things felt too physical for her.
Zita revisited her time in the house as well, insisting her fight with Mide was not performative and that she often felt cornered by how things played out. Mide, however, pushed back, saying Zita misunderstood her intentions and that she is not condescending.
Zita and Danboskid also addressed their failed “ship,” finally laying the relationship drama to rest.
Thelma had an emotional moment while defending herself in the Isabella and Kayinkumi situation, with tensions rising further when Big Soso jumped into the conversation, escalating things between her and Thelma.
We also saw more tension unfold between Tega and Thelma, with revelations that added even more weight to their already strained dynamic.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get any hotter, the episode ended on a cliffhanger, with Kola and Doris going head-to-head, leaving viewers waiting for what comes next.
If this is just episode one, the rest of the reunion promises nothing short of chaos, clarity, and confrontations.
Big Brother Naija S10 reunion is clearly not holding back this year. You can catch all the drama at 10 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and 10:30 pm on Africa Magic Family on DStv and GOtv.
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