Alicia Keys’ recently released a new song, Back to Life, which was written specifically for Disney’s upcoming film, Queen of Katwe.

The movie, directed by Mira Nair, follows the story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, with a star-studded cast featuring Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.

In the new track we hear Alicia’s familiar sounds of piano notes and swaying guitars, but we’re also treated to the new sonic sounds Keys introduced in her previous single, In Common.

Queen of Katwe hits US theatres on September 23.

Entertainment channel BET (DStv channel 129) has revealed its definitive list of 2016’s top 20 South African movers and shakers, The BET A-List. The honourees were revealed by BET A-List hosts Nandi Madida and Ayanda Thabethe at a star-studded event in the Arcadia Ballroom, The Westcliff, Johannesburg.

The list is as follows:

1. BET A-List Radio & TV personality (Female): Bonang Matheba

2. BET A-List Radio & TV personality (Male): Somizi Mhlongo

3. BET A-List Actress: Terry Pheto

4. BET A-List Director: Thabang Moleya

5. BET A-List Writer: Zakes Mda

6. BET A-List Game Changers (TV/Film): Shona Ferguson & Connie Ferguson

7. BET A-List Comedians: Nicholas Goliath, Donovan Goliath & Jason Goliath

8. BET A-List DJ: Black Coffee

9. BET A-List Game Changer (Music): Cassper Nyovest

10. BET A-List Rising Star: Nasty C

11. BET A-List Most Stylish Musician: Riky Rick

12. BET A-List Style Icon: David Tlale

13. BET A-List Social Media Star: AKA

14. BET A-List Sportswoman: Caster Semenya

15. BET A-List Sportsman: Wayde van Niekerk

16. BET A-List Philanthropist: DJ Sbu

17. BET A-List Entrepreneur: Khanyi Dhlomo

To watch highlights of the event, including the awards presentations, tune in to BET A-List on BET (DStv channel 129) on Thursday September 15 at 18:35 CAT.

Cover girl Alicia Keys just dropped her new single Back To Life for Disney’s upcoming film Queen Of Katwe. We absolutely love it, but we couldn’t help reminiscing about her older tracks. Check out the videos below to see some of our all-time favourite Alicia songs.

1. My Boo

2.Fallin’

3. A Woman’s Worth

4. You Don’t Know My Name

5. No One

(Image:Instagram)

Our woman crush for this week is the astonishingly beautiful Romanian model Andreea Diaconu. Having been featured on magazine covers all over the glove, including France, Romania, Russia, Spain and Switzerland, it’s no wonder she’s the new campaign face for Studio W.

Check out her Studio W behind-the-scenes shoot with blogger Margaret Zhang here.

(Image: Instagram)

The first round of nominees for the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAS) was announced last night at a glam event in Sandton.

The second round of nominations will be announced at the Hard Rock Cafe in Lagos, Nigeria on October 2.

Here are the nominees, part one:

Best Group

Mi Casa (South Africa)

Navy Kenzo (Tanzania)

R2bees (Ghana)

Sauti Sol (Kenya)

Best Male

AKA (South Africa)

Black Coffee (South Africa)

Diamond (Tanzania)

Patoranking (Nigeria)

Wizkid (Nigeria)

Best Live

Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)

Eddy Kenzo (Uganda)

Flavour (Nigeria)

Mafikizolo (South Africa)

Stonebwoy (Ghana)

Toofan (Togo)

Best Hip Hop in association with MTN

Emtee (South Africa)

Kiff No Beat (Ivory Coast)

Olamide (Nigeria)

Riky Rick (South Africa)

Ycee (Nigeria)

Best Collaboration in partnership with Absolut

AKA feat. Burna Boy, Khuli Chana & Yanga – Baddest (South Africa/Nigeria)

DJ Maphorisa feat. Wizkid & DJ Bucks – Soweto Baby ((South Africa/Nigeria)

Nasty C feat. Davido, Cassper – Juice Back Remix (Nigeria/South Africa)

Patoranking feat. Sarkodie – No Kissing (Nigeria/Ghana)

Sauti Sol feat. Alikiba – Unconditionally Bae (Kenya/Tanzania)

Best Pop/Alternative

Desmond & The Tutus (South Africa)

LCNVL (South Africa)

Shekinah (South Africa) / Kyle Deutsch (South Africa)

Timo ODV (South Africa)

Tresor (DRC)

Personality of the Year in association with DStv

Caster Semenya (South Africa)

Linda Ikeji (Nigeria)

Pearl Thusi (South Africa)

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)

Wizkid (Nigeria)

Best Lusophone

C4 Pedro (Angola)

NGA (Angola)

Lizha James (Mozambique)

Nelson Freitas (Netherlands/Cape Verde)

Preto Show (Angola)

Best International

Adele (UK)

Beyoncé (USA)

Drake (Canada)

Future (USA)

Rihanna (Barbados)

(Image:Instagram)

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are probably one of Hollywood’s hottest power couples, so news of their divorce has definitely come as a shock.

TMZ was first to break the story on Tuesday that Brangelina are calling it quits after two years of marriage.

Angelina filed for divorce on the grounds of Brad’s alleged substance abuse, anger and lack of parenting skills.

(Image:Instagram)

She has requested sole physical custody of the children with only visitation rights for Brad of their six children: Maddox Jolie-Pitt, 14, Pax Jolie-Pitt, 11, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, 10, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, 9, Knox Jolie-Pitt, 7, and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, 7.

Naturally, with a divorce in Tinseltown, there have been multiple rumours regarding the cause of separation: was there trouble brewing behind closed doors? Had either been unfaithful?

Actress Marion Cotillard found herself in the centre of the Brangelina drama when rumours started to make the rounds that there may have been something going on between her and Brad after recently starring in a movie together.

Marion took to her Instagram to deny any involvement in the Jolie-Pitt split.

(Image:Instagram)

“This is going to be my first and only reaction to the whirlwind news that broke 24 hours ago and that I was swept up into. I am not used to commenting on things like this nor taking them seriously but as this situation is spiraling and affecting people I love, I have to speak up,” she began.

“Firstly, many years ago, I met the man of my life, father of our son and of the baby we are expecting. He is my love, my best friend, the only one that I need. Secondly to those who have indicated that I am devastated, I am very well thank you. This crafted conversation isn’t distressing. And to all the media and the haters who are quick to pass judgment, I sincerely wish you a swift recovery. Finally, I do very much wish that Angelina and Brad, both whom I deeply respect, will find peace in this very tumultuous moment. With all my love, Marion”

Whatever happens, we hope they resolve their differences for the sake of the children.

We didn’t think the Orange Is The New Black actress had space left for more body ink – but we were wrong. Taking to Instagram, Ruby Rose showcased her new tattoo of pantone colours. We’re not convinced we feel inspired to try this but, hey, who are we judge – the girl really loves pantone!

A photo posted by Ruby Rose (@rubyrose) on Aug 29, 2016 at 3:45am PDT

A photo posted by therealswizzz (@therealswizzz) on Sep 7, 2016 at 8:08pm PDT

It was a bold choice to step out on the red carpet at the VMAs without make-up but Alicia Keys’ husband, Swizz Beatz, is sticking by her side. In a video that he posted to Instagram, he tried to make sense of people’s outrage over Alicia’s make-up-free stance. He explains that she simply chose to go make-up free because she just didn’t want to wear it.

It isn’t because she is against the cosmetic industry or thinks that women who do wear make-up are inferior.

We applaud the singer for making her own choices – even when heavily criticised.

Our team went to check out the Boity X Sissy Boy launch on Thursday night, and with the likes of Maps Maponyane, Nkateko “Takkies” Maswanganye, Nomoozie and Boitumelo Lesejane in attendance, it was definitely a night to remember.

Sissy Boy founder Ronny Sassoon had some lovely things to say about his collaboration with Boity before the girl of the moment delivered a wonderful speech thanking all those in attendance, particularly her Sissy Boy team.

The surprise of the night came when Boity announced that her contract with SissyBoy is for an incredible three years!

We can’t wait to see what other items the collab has in store for us.

Congrats!

All images have been Supplied

ITS Miami is a six day talent convention hosted annually in Miami in the Us.

This is an exclusive opportunity for all artists from around the world- models, actors, singers and dancers- to take their talent to the international stage. Throughout the six days, entrants will perform in front of the top names in the entertainment industry, and will have a chance to meet, get feedback and possibly be scouted by world-renowned talent hunters, record labels, casting agents, managers and modelling agencies. DMH Agency will be hosting auditions throughout the country in October to find the best of the best to represent SA at the ITS Miami. So book now to ensure your spot and the opportunity to make your international dreams become a reality!

AUDITION DATES

East London: October 1

Port Elizabeth: October 8

Johannesburg: October 15

Cape Town: October 22

Durban: October 29

For an audition time slot, email info@dmhagency.co.za with ITS and your city (i.e JHB, EL or PE) in the subject line

PHAT JOE IS ENGAGED!

With all the recent divorce news in celeb Ville, Phat Joe has brought some joy to our hearts! The radio personality popped the question to his long-term girlfriend Palesa Mogan on Monday afternoon.

Taking to social media, he posted a sketch video on YouTube that features a string of sketches from himself as well as his 14-year-old son Brooklyn describing just how much they love Palesa! How sweet? The video then ends where Joe asks Palesa the big question and of course she said yes!

MSHOZA SHOCKS FANS

Kwaito legend Mshoza shocked fans earlier this year when her skin bleaching transformation was televised on MTV Base for the world to see.

She has also revealed that she has to take a whopping 18 pills a day! Although this may seem extreme, Mshoza is not in any way moved by the rather large amount of pills that she is required to consume.

She has received a lot of backlash for promoting skin bleaching but has explained herself and her views.

Regardless of the controversy, we’re glad to see that she doesn’t regret her decision.

The Kwaito artist recently released her new single called Abantu Bam’ and got nominated for a Kwaito award.

TONI BRAXTON DOING FINE

After being hospitalized for a few days, we are happy to learn that the songbird Toni Braxton is doing well and resting at home. It is said that Birdman rushed to her side when he heard that she was being admitted to a hospital in Los Angeles. According to sources, Toni is doing much better and is even getting ready to start rehearsals for her upcoming tour.

Toni Braxton was being treated for Lupus, an autoimmune disease that she first revealed that she is battling in 2010.

We’re so glad to hear she is doing ok!

‘QUEEN OF KATWE’ A BOX OFFICE MISS?

The true-life biopic about a Ugandan chess champion starring Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong’o didn’t quite break the box office during its opening weekend across multiple cities in the United States of America.

Despite raving reviews, the film grossed only $2.6 million, while ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’ topped the box office, raking in $28.5 million.

‘Queen of Katwe’ is a story about an extraordinary girl’s dream of a chess grandmaster. The movie is set to screen in South Africa on the 14^th of October 2016.

BLACK COFFEE WINS AWARD

Black Coffee has won the 2016 Deep House DJ of the Year award at the 2016 International DJ Awards. The awards ceremony was held in Ibiza and he was up against some stiff competition. Unable to attend, Black Coffee sent his acceptance speech via Instagram thanking all fans and his team.

Black Coffee is no stranger to winning top international honours, he won a BET award for Best International Act: Africa earlier this year and he won two awards at the 2015 edition of the International DJ Awards in the Breakthrough and Dance nations categories.

What a champ!

MINNIE AND SOMIZI TO HOST ESSENCE FEST

ESSENCE Festival will be making it’s way to Durban shores this year and we can’t wait! The multi-day entertainment, empowerment and cultural event will feature international performers and speakers who will entertain and inspire, as well as a host of local artists and experts.

Somizi took to Instagram to announce that he will be hosting the festival alongside Minnie Dlamini.

The festival, an African first, will be taking place from the 8^th to the 13^th of November 2016.

MARIA’S DRUG BAN CUT

Maria Sharapova was banned from tennis after testing positive for banned substance meldonium in March this year but it seems her career will soon be back on track. The Court of Arbitration for Sports has reduced her two-year drug ban to 15 months. This now means she will be back in action in time for the French Open in May 2017.

Soon after the ruling, her racket sponsors “Head” congratulated the star for her reduced suspension with a tweet reading

“Congratulations to Maria Sharapova” along with the hashtag #WeStoodWithMaria.

Social media did not allow them to get away with this, and many tweeted their frustrations.

Too soon “Head”, too soon!

KID CUDI IN REHAB

Say it ain’t so!

Kid Cudi penned an emotional post to all of his fans letting them know that he is checking himself into rehab fro depression and suicidal urges. This comes not too long after his rant on twitter where he was complaining about the current state of Hip Hop while accusing artists such as Kanye West and Drake of not penning their own songs.

He ends his post of saying he hopes to be out in time to greet fans with high-fives and hugs at the Complex Festival taking place on the 5^th to the 6^th of November 2016 in California.

You can read the complete post here.

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND “DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR”

A British-Ghanaian painter named Lynette Yiadom-Boakye has inspired Solange’s video for ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’.  Solange has cited Lynette’s work as an influence on her new album A Seat At The Table.

A strong resemblance can be seen between the painter’s oil canvas paintings and some of the visuals from Solange’s video.

The amazingly styled and choreographed video was co-directed by Solange as well as her husband Alan Ferguson.

We can’t get enough of the awesomeness!

CHRISSY READS RIRI’S FAN MAIL?

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have recently moved into Riri’s pad and Chrissy was on Ellen’s show talking about that and other things when she let it slip that she sometimes opens Rihanna’s bills and fan mail, which is a federal offence in the US!

Check out the hilarious interview here.

GABRIELLE JOINS THE MOVEMENT

Hold the bus, it’s a bare face revolution everyone!

Alicia Keys is not alone in her make-up free movement, the next celeb to jump on the bandwagon is Gabrielle Union. Gabrielle posted a bare-faced selfie on Snapchat saying “No makeup, head wrap, hey Alicia Keys I see you!” She captioned the video “Alicia Keys” with a few hearts, before posting another photo showing off her glowing skin, freckles and head wrap.

No filter necessary here!

TUMI GOES REGAL

Rapper Tumi Molekane has become the first South African entertainer to represent international whisky brand Chivas Regal. Tumi has been revealed as one of the official African ambassadors for the brand. He joins the likes of Don Cheadle, who he has a shot a TV commercial with.

Tumi also plans to release his fourth studio album under a new stage name, Stogie T.

We’ll be sure to look out for that.

TORI SPELLING’S BABY NO.5

Congratulations are in order, Tori Spelling was surprised (and so were we) to find out that she is pregnant again with her 5^th child! The Beverly Hills, 90210 actress claims she has always wanted a big family. According to ENews, this pregnancy happened at the best time for this family, following an extramarital affair in 2013 that nearly ended her marriage to actor Dean McDermott.

“In a way, this is our first baby in our new relationship. And that is really exciting” Tori shared.

Our cover girl, fifteen-year-old Willow Smith is probably one of the worldliest teenagers out there. Having years of ‘abnormal’ teenage experience, she has quite the opinion on… well pretty much everything!

On School: ‘I went to school for one year. It was the best experience but the worst experience. The best experience because I was, like, ‘oh, now I know why kids are so depressed’. But it was the worst experience because I was depressed”

On her favourite reading material: ‘There are no novels that I like to read so I write my own novels, and then read them again, and it’s the best thing’

On her personal style: ‘I could literally climb a mountain and survive a couple of nights in nature. That’s a requirement for my clothes because one day I was on the freeway and I saw a mountain, so I literally just pulled over and climbed it. If you’re an artist, the way you dress also gives people a vibe of how your music is and personality’

We find out why Willow Smith really could be changing the world in our latest issue which is still on shelves, so do the right thing and #GoGetYourGrazia!

For years, photographer Stephanie Sinclair, 43, has travelled the world documenting the practice of child marriage with her camera. Now, a non-profit project she started is giving former child brides a voice, hoping to convince authorities around the world to clamp down on the practice.

Too Young To Wed (Tooyoungtowed.org), an international NGO, raises funds, educates people about the prevalence of child marriages around the world and why they are harmful, and promotes activism and protests aimed at outlawing the marrying off of underage girls – often to grown men. The organisation estimates that somewhere in the world, a girl is forced into a marriage every two seconds.

Stephanie has been photographing the girls trapped in these situations for several years to raise awareness of their plight and agitate for change, but this year she had another brainwave – put former child brides behind the camera, rather than in front of it.

“The idea was simple: to introduce storytelling through photography to help them better realise their self-worth and the value of their voice,” Stephanie told reporters. “Aside from technical skills, when you teach photography, you are helping students feel confident about themselves and the way they see the world. Our goal was to help them understand that what have to say is important, that /they/ are important… We wanted to open their minds and expose them to new possibilities for their own futures.”

Her first workshop, held in January this year in Kenya and featuring girls who had never taken photographs before, proved so successful that Too Young To Wed is now planning to hold photography workshops for other former child brides regularly, in the many other regions of the globe where forced child marriages are an issue.
To learn more or get involved, visit Tooyoungtowed.org.

The Durban-born, Jozi-based songstress/fashion designer will be making her way down to Darling for her Rocking The Daisies debut this year. Here she tells Grazia about getting on the guest list, her festival must-haves and what the rest of 2016 has in store.

What do you love most about performing at festivals?

The open minded listenership and the spirit and the people you meet – you end up partying without any care in the world. The freedom of the whole experience, and I love the fashion parade! The style on some people is just ridiculous and the crazier the better!

What is your best festival experience ever?

It was my first Rocking The Daisies, actually, in 2012… I had no idea what to expect and all of my senses exploded from all the positive vibes. My crew and I danced and danced the whole night away and I can’t wait to do it again this year. I am going to bring it!

Which performance is on your must-watch list at RTD?

Mac Miller is absolutely phenomenal, epically dope and I can’t wait to meet him and see his show – He is gonna kill it #standi.

What are your music festival wardrobe essentials?

Plenty of TINY clothes to greet the springtime sunshine properly! And probably a skin-tone leotard, multicolour fishnets and a cape worthy of a queen!

What inspires you lately?

Buying a warehouse and converting it into a multifunctional creative home space. I want there to be a velvet room! The kind that my kids can only enter when they are 18, due to lack of PG vibes. I’ll have a dance studio and my own stage and, of course, healthy living is important to me so I want my own gym to keep it tight.

What was the last thing you heard/saw that made you laugh?

I saw a Moonchild meme that had me in stitches ‘cos they were trying to get onto the ‘Guestlist’ and being so desperate!

What was the best part about collaborating with Aewon Wolf and Sketchy Bongo for your track, Guestlist?

The fact that the boys are super human with their creativity and therefore it was an easy connection. We are all from Durban and love each other’s music, so we all felt it was a match made heaven.

What does the rest of 2016 have in store for you?

I am working on a hundred things at the moment, but just to pull a few out the bag – I am collaborating with three mega artists in the run up to Daisies and spending loads of time in studio… Look out for my ‘Guestlist’ video also around the corner and I’m really excited about my Red Bull Township Tour, where we are giving away free music to those who don’t have access to iTunes and other online platforms.

It’s been another busy weekend, sigh. Here are some of the stories that dominated the internet:

#RIPKHWEZI

The shocking news of the passing of Fezekile Kuzwayo, known to the media as Khwezi, were released on Sunday. Family representatives released a statement yesterday confirming her passing on Saturday. The family described her as a loving soul, a daughter, and an aunt whom they will forever hold dear to their hearts.

Fezekile Kuzwayo was an Aids activist who was known as the woman who accused President Jacob Zuma of rape. She was then forced to exile in May 2006 in Holland. The cause of her death is still unknown.

May she rest in peace.

ROBERT DE NIRO’S MAD!

Election season is heating up in the US and everyone is starting to be more vocal about the presidential candidates, including Robert De Niro. In a Vice Exclusive video, Robert De Niro is visible angry while he releases a series of insults calling Donald Trump a national disaster and an embarrassment.
The video was recorded as part of a campaign to encourage people to get out and vote.

These insults have surfaced after a video emerged of Donald Trump making sexually aggressive comments about women, which he was forced to apologise for.

Never a dull moment in American politics!

JAY Z BEHIND THE LENSE

Jay Z is one busy Hollywood producer. The music mogul is currently working on a documentary series that looks at the life of Kalief Browder, a young man who was failed by the criminal justice system and ultimately committed suicide.
That’s not all, Jay Z is also producing a Richard Pyror biopic. The film, based on the life of American actor and stand-up comedian, is set to star Mike Epps as Richard Pryor, Oprah Winfrey as his grandmother and Kate Hudson as his widow.

The docuseries titled “The Kalief Browder Story” is set to premiere in 2017, while shooting for “Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said” will start in January or February 2017.

It takes a lot to make a statement in the Mother City, but Brendan van Rhyn – aka Cathy Specific sure knows how to make an entrance!

As one of the country’s most recognisable talents in the theatre scene, van Rhyn has gone on to open Gate 69, a plus cabaret theatre venue in the heart of Cape Town’s Bree Street.  Decorated in plush purples and golds, with brocade wallpaper, the old auction house has been given a new lease on life.

Tickets cost R550 and include a mezze-style dinner, hot bread service, soup and dessert – and, of course, a show.