The stars who we watched...

IT WAS a year of highs and lows in the entertainment industry. We said our goodbyes to some of our biggest stars but also celebrated the strides made by many.

Some of our stars were also dragged to court by the taxman and some made sure they did their best to give back to their communities. We went through break-ups with our stars and celebrated with them when they welcomed life into the world. In fact, it’s been a rollercoaster year.

Here is a recap of stories that got us talking.

BONANG AND AKA SPLIT

Their relationship started with a scandal and certainly ended with one. When Bonang Matheba started dating bad boy rapper AKA, their fans went crazy. A quick reminder, AKA cheated on his pregnant girlfriend, DJ Zinhle, with Bonang and a few weeks later went public with their romance. Although rumours of their split started in December last year, the two announced their separation in January. Neither of them said much on their break-up but they did take to Twitter – as is the norm – to throw shade at each other.

SOUTH AFRICAN STARS IN ‘BLACK PANTHER’

This Marvel Cinematic Universe film goes down as the biggest asset to black culture. The movie starred some big Hollywood stars but also saw some local stars jet off to Atlanta to be part of this history-making feast. The legendary John Kani and his son Atandwa starred in it as well as Connie Chiume. What made the production so much more special to South African viewers was that isiXhosa was the language of choice in Wakanda.

SOMIZI AND MOHALE’S ENGAGEMENT

We were all shocked when Somizi Mhlongo, 45, went public with his relationship. In an unexpected move, Somizi put his relationship to 23-year-old Mohale Motaung on blast. Somizi went a step further to propose to Mohale on his reality show, Living the Dream with Somizi while the pair were on holiday in Paris.

BABY BOOM

This year we saw a number of our stars become mothers, from Jessica Nkosi to Khabonina Qubeka. A number of pregnancies were also announced. Actress Jessica Nkosi announced her pregnancy the best way celebrities know how, via a magazine cover. She gave birth to a girl and recently returned to the red carpet looking better than ever. Isidingo actress Khabonina Qubeka did not announce her pregnancy, instead she kept it a secret and only announced giving birth much to the shock of her fans. LootLove announced that she was expecting twins. Other celebrities who gave birth this year include Gail Mabalane and Busiswa

GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL

It was without a doubt one of the biggest events, if not the biggest event of the year. The festival saw the biggest names in the music industry descend on Joburg’s FNB Stadium to perform to thousands of people. Beyonce, Jay Z, Ed Sheeran, Tiwa Savage, D’banj, Cassper Nyovest and Pharrell all performed whiles stars such as Naomi Campbell, Tyler Perry, Trevor Noah, Bonang Matheba and Gayle King also graced the stage.

CELEBS WHO DIED

This year we said our goodbyes to some of our most celebrated stars, both young and old. In January the country was left in shock at the news of the passing of Hugh Masekela. The awardwinning singer died of prostate cancer in Johannesburg. Veteran actor David Phetoe, best-known for his role as Paul Moroka on Generations died after a short illness.

We also said goodbye to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Stan Lee and Aretha Franklin. In May a car crash claimed the lives of actors Akhumzi Jezile and Thobani Mseleni and singer Siyasanga Kobese.

More recently hip hop star Jabulani “HHP” Tsambo died.