Entertainment
Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux Withdraws From Miss Universe
In a significant development for the Miss South Africa Organisation, reigning Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, citing health concerns.
The organisation confirmed Le Roux’s decision in a statement released on Friday, with the 24-year-old expressing her appreciation for the unwavering support she has received from South Africans.
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Le Roux described her decision as a “challenging” one, acknowledging the weight of expectations placed upon her. “I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe,” Le Roux shared in her statement.
“Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me.
“However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength.”
The Miss South Africa Organisation also extended its support to Le Roux, applauding her resilience during this difficult time. “Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period,” the organisation said.
“Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health.”
Le Roux’s withdrawal comes after a year of controversies that have impacted the Miss South Africa pageant.
Earlier this year, the pageant made headlines when contestant Chidimma Adetshina, who has Nigerian and South African heritage, pulled out of the competition following social media backlash over her nationality.
Adetshina, 23, was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, but faced criticism about her cultural identity.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina deepened when South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs opened an investigation that reportedly uncovered allegations her mother may have committed identity theft.
Amid the fallout, Adetshina accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, which she went on to win.
Following these developments, Mia Le Roux, who has Boer heritage, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024.
While Le Roux’s decision to step down from Miss Universe has disappointed fans, her choice underscores the pressure and scrutiny pageant participants often face.
Moses Korede Are, the veteran actor best known for his role as “Baba Gbenro” in the iconic Mount Zion series Abattoir, has passed away.
The news of his death was confirmed on Thursday by his colleague, Oluwaseun Adejumobi, who shared the announcement on his verified Instagram account.
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Born on June 11, 1959, in Kano State, Nigeria, Are spent his formative years in the northern region before relocating to Plateau State and eventually completing his education in southwestern Nigeria.
Throughout his career, Are made a lasting impact on the Nigerian gospel film industry, particularly with his memorable portrayal in Abattoir, a role that earned him admiration from audiences and colleagues alike.
Adejumobi paid tribute to his late friend, saying, “Heaven’s Gain Again. A General Has Gone to Rest.”
The actor’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fellow gospel film stars.
Gospel actor Zoe Adeola expressed her sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Rest in peace, Baba Gbenro. Your role in Abattoir will definitely leave a great memory of you in our minds. So painful.”
Moses Korede Are’s contributions to gospel filmmaking have left an indelible mark on the industry, ensuring his legacy will be remembered by both fans and fellow actors for years to come.
Rapper Meek Mill has publicly distanced himself from music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, following a string of legal controversies surrounding the latter.
In a viral Instagram video, Meek Mill made it clear that he is no longer associated with Diddy, using the phrase “No Diddy” to emphasize his stance.
The incident occurred when a fan approached Meek Mill in public and asked for a shoutout. Meek, facing the camera, declared, “You already know how we are playing out, this is real life. Yeah, no Diddy gang Meek Mill in real life; don’t ever disrespect me, you heard?”
This break comes after Diddy’s legal battles, which include multiple indictments and sexual assault lawsuits. The fallout between the two has been further exacerbated by recent public claims, including a lawsuit from producer Rodney Jones in February 2024, which controversially suggested that Meek Mill and Diddy had a romantic relationship.
Over the years, Meek Mill and Diddy were often seen together in public, collaborating on music projects and attending high-profile events. However, with the recent controversies surrounding Diddy, Meek Mill has made it clear he wants no part of the drama.
As the legal cases continue to unfold, Meek Mill’s disassociation marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two, who had once shared both personal and professional ties.
South African artist Tyla captivated the audience at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), held in Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, by winning a record-breaking three awards in a single night.
Tyla, who has been a rising sensation on the global music scene, took home the Best Afrobeats, Best R&B, and Best African Act awards, becoming the first African artist to achieve such a milestone at the EMAs.
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Her wins were especially notable given the strong competition from renowned African and international artists, including Asake, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems.
The prestigious MTV EMAs, now in their 30th year, returned to the United Kingdom for a grand celebration of music, featuring nominations from top global icons.
Tyla’s achievements underscore her growing influence as an international artist and mark a significant moment for African representation in global music.
Reacting to her groundbreaking victory, Tyla thanked her fanbase, affectionately called the “Tygers,” saying, “Thank you Tygers once again! Y’all are insane!” Her win comes on the heels of a landmark year, which also saw her being crowned Best New Artist at the BET Awards in July.
Her breakout hit, “Water,” continues to resonate worldwide, further propelling her career and establishing her as a force in Afrobeats and global pop music.
Though Tyla was notably absent from the recently announced 2025 Grammy nominations, her unprecedented success at the MTV EMAs confirms her role as one of Africa’s most promising talents and an emblem of the continent’s burgeoning music influence.
Here’s the full list of winners from the 2024 MTV EMAs:
BEST SONG
WINNER: Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”
Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”
Beyoncé – “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”
Billie Eilish – “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”
Chappell Roan – “Good Luck, Babe!”
BEST VIDEO
WINNER: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”
Charli XCX – “360”
Eminem – “Houdini”
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
LISA ft. Rosalía – “NEW WOMAN”
BEST ARTIST
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Beyoncé
Billie Eilish
Post Malone
RAYE
Sabrina Carpenter
BEST COLLABORATION
WINNER: LISA ft. Rosalía – “NEW WOMAN”
Charli XCX & Billie Eilish – “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish
Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar – “Like That”
Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile”
Peso Pluma, Anitta – “BELLAKEO”
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
BEST NEW
WINNER: Benson Boone
Ayra Starr
Chappell Roan
LE SSERAFIM
Teddy Swims
The Last Dinner Party
Tyla
BEST POP
WINNER: Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Camila Cabello
Charli XCX
Dua Lipa
Sabrina Carpenter
Taylor Swift
BEST AFROBEATS
WINNER: Tyla
Asake
Ayra Starr
Burna Boy
Rema
Tems
BEST ROCK
WINNER: Liam Gallagher
Bon Jovi
Coldplay
Green Day
Kings of Leon
Lenny Kravitz
The Killers
BEST LATIN
WINNER: Peso Pluma
Anitta
Bad Bunny
KAROL G
Rauw Alejandro
Shakira
BEST K-POP
WINNER: Jimin
Jung Kook
LE SSERAFIM
LISA
NewJeans
Stray Kids
BEST ALTERNATIVE
WINNER: Imagine Dragons
Fontaines D.C.
Hozier
Lana Del Rey
Twenty One Pilots
YUNGBLUD
BEST ELECTRONIC
WINNER: Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Disclosure
DJ Snake
Fred Again..
Swedish House Mafia
BEST HIP-HOP
WINNER: Eminem
Central Cee
Kendrick Lamar
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Travis Scott
BEST R&B
WINNER: Tyla
Kehlani
SZA
Tinashe
Usher
Victoria Monét
BEST LIVE
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Adele
Coldplay
Doja Cat
RAYE
Travis Scott
BEST PUSH
WINNER: LE SSERAFIM
Ayra Starr
Chappell Roan
Coco Jones
Flyana Boss
Jessie Murph
Laufey
Mark Ambor
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
The Warning
Victoria Monét
BIGGEST FANS
WINNER: LISA
Anitta
Ariana Grande
Beyoncé
Billie Eilish
Chappell Roan
Charli XCX
Katy Perry
Nicki Minaj
Sabrina Carpenter
Shawn Mendes
Taylor Swift
MTV EMA 2024 BEST REGIONAL ACT NOMINEES:
BEST AFRICAN ACT
WINNER: Tyla
Asake
Ayra Starr
DBN Gogo
Diamond Platnumz
TitoM & Yuppe
BEST ASIA ACT
BINI
ILLIT
Mahalini
MASDO
Sakurazaka46
BEST AUSTRALIAN ACT
Confidence Man
CYRIL
Kylie Minogue
Sia
The Kid LAROI
Troye Sivan
BEST AUSTRIAN ACT
Bilderbuch
Christina Stürmer
Esther Graf
Money Boy
RAF Camora
Wanda
BEST BRAZILIAN ACT
Jão
Luisa Sonza
Matuê
Pabllo Vittar
Pedro Sampaio
BEST CANADIAN ACT
AR Paisley
Kaytranada
Nelly Furtado
Shawn Mendes
Tate McRae
BEST CARIBBEAN ACT
Eladio Carrión
Luar La L
Myke Towers
YovngChimi
Young Miko
BEST DUTCH ACT
Claude
Jonna Fraser
Mr. Belt & Wezol
Roxy Dekker
Son Mieux
BEST FRENCH ACT
Aya Nakamura
Dadju & Tayc
GIMS
Pierre Garnier
Slimane
Vitaa
BEST GERMAN ACT
AYLIVA
K.I.Z
Luciano
Pashanim
Shirin David
BEST INDIA ACT
Armaan Malik
Chirag Todi
Dee MC & EPR
Hanumankind
Kamakshi Khanna
Mali
BEST ITALIAN ACT
Angelina Mango
Annalisa
Ghali
Mahmood
The Kolors
BEST ISRAELI ACT
Agam Buhbut
Anna Zak
Noa Kirel
Shahar Saul
Shahar Tavoch
BEST LAT AM CENTRAL ACT
Beele
Blessd
Kapo
Manuel Turizo
Sofia Castro
BEST LAT AM NORTH ACT
Danna
El Malilla
Gabito Ballesteros
Natanael Cano
YeriMua
BEST LAT AM SOUTH ACT
Dillom
Emilia
Luck Ra
Maria Becerra
Trueno
BEST NORDIC ACT
Alesso
girl in red
Laufey
Swedish House Mafia
Zara Larsson
BEST POLISH ACT
Daria Zawiałow
Kacperczyk
Kwiat Jabłoni
Pro8l3m
Zalewski
BEST PORTUGUESE ACT
Bárbara Bandeira
Bárbara Tinoco
Dillaz
Ivandro
Slow J
BEST SPANISH ACT
Ana Mena
Belén Aguilera
Dani Fernández
Lola Indigo
Mikel Izal
BEST SWISS ACT
Benjamin Amaru
Faber
Nemo
Priya Ragu
Stress
BEST UK & IRELAND ACT
WINNER: RAYE
Central Cee
Charli XCX
Chase & Status
Dua Lipa
Hozier
BEST US ACT
Ariana Grande
Beyoncé
Kendrick Lamar
Sabrina Carpenter
Taylor Swift
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