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South African Black Panther actress Connie Chiume passes on at 72

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South African film legend, Connie Chiume, who featured in Marvel film, “Black Panther, has died at the age of 72, her family has announced.

The iconic film star who graced South African TV for decades, reportedly died at a Johannesburg hospital, according to a statement published on social media by her family.

The announcement posted on Instagram on Tuesday reads:

“The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the International Acclaimed award winning actress Connie Chiume.

“Connie Chiume 72, passed on at Garden City Hospital today on the 6th August 2024. The family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details.”

Chiume, who played tribal the role of a leader Zawavari in both “Black Panther” and its 2022 sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” was a household name in her native South Africa.

She was a multi-award-winning actress who also starred in several South African TV shows including “Rhythm City”, “Zone 14” and most recently, popular TV series, “Gomora”.

Chiume was born in 1952 to a Malawian father and a South African Zulu mother, according to her profile on the website of her agency, MLA.

“Before embarking on a career in showbiz that spanned more than 45 years, she trained as a nurse and later worked as a teacher.

“Her first foray into the world of entertainment came in 1977 when she joined a musical show called “Sola Sola,” which toured Israel and Greece and went on to rack up a host of credits on both stage and screen.

“She rose to prominence as an actress in 1989 when she appeared in the popular South African television series “Inkom’ Edla Yodwa”.

“In the 2018 “Black Panther” film, Chiume starred as Zawavari – a member of the Wakandan Tribal Council. In the 2022 sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” she replaced Zuri (Forest Whitaker) as Wakanda’s Elder Statesman.

“She was also highly celebrated for her appearances in Beyoncé’s Disney musical film based on “The Lion King”, in which she played Simba’s mother, Sarabi.

“Her most recent role was in “Heart of the Hunter”, released earlier this year, and she also appeared in TV series “Soon Comes Night” in February.

Chiume was given several awards, including an NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Soul City in 2000.

Later in 2009, she received a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role as Stella Moloi in the family drama Zone 14.

Paying tribute to her on X, the South African government posted:

“Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered. #RIPConnieChiume.”

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Chidimma Adetshina makes history as she emerges first runner-up for Miss Universe 2024

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Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, made history as she finished as the first runner-up at the pageant.

The reigning Miss Universe Nigeria finished on the podium of the event held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning after an electrifying final face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women looked poised to claim the crown.

Adetshina, who competed against over 120 contestants from around the world, delivered Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the prestigious competition.

The competition, which was described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.

A post by the pageant organizers on Instagram said:

“The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.

“Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, ultimately won the crown taking over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.”

The top five were rounded out by Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, in third place, along with contestants from Thailand and Venezuela.

This year’s pageant was celebrated as one of the most inclusive in Miss Universe history, featuring first-time entries from Iran and Somalia and an expanded lineup of 30 semifinalists, showcasing greater diversity and global representation.

Chidimma’s path to the Miss Universe Nigeria was controversial at best as she had previously entered the Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew following criticism of her nationality and allegations from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs concerning her mother’s documents.

She was later invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria and emerged as the winner of the beauty pageant ahead of 24 other contestants.

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Tyla set to drop new single ‘Tears’ on November 20

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South African “Ampiona” crooner, Tyla, is set to thrill her fans to her new single titled, “Tears’, which is set to drop on November 20.

According to a statement by her management team, Tyla’s fans should expect something different from the “Water” singer as she is set to release a brand-new single in collaboration with Coke Studio.

“This exciting partnership follows her announcement as part of the Coke Studio 2024 line-up alongside R&B star Usher Raymond in September,” the statement said.

Tyla who is fondly called the “Pretty girl from Joburg,” also took to her Instagram page to share the news with her fans.

Posting a snippet of the video on her Instagram story with the caption, “‘Tears’ coming November 20th! A song in partnership with @CocaCola”, confirming the November release date, she urged her fans to look forward to something different from what they are used to.

The brand has also shared on its social media platforms that Tyla will be performing this highly-anticipated single when she returns to Johannesburg, South Africa, at a special Coke Studio live event.

In an interview with Coke Studio, the 22-year-old singer shared how she breaks away from her original sound with “Tears”.

“I feel like in a lot of my songs, I’m dancing a lot. I really wanted a song where I could just sing, be more raw with people, and showcase my voice this time,” she said.

Snippets from the new single has showcases Tyla’s enchanting vocals, revealing a more vulnerable side that is different from her previous work.

“Breaking away from the amapiano and pop sound she’s best known for, Tyla embarks on an exciting new journey with this project,” one of the reviews said.

“Through “Tears”, she wants to connect with listeners in a raw, captivating way as she partners with Coke Studio to bring this new sound to life.’

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