Whether you’ve heard her voice lighting up your morning commute or stumbling across one of her videos while doomscrolling, one thing about Sibongile Mafu is immediate: her magnetism is undeniable. There’s a warmth to her that feels both aspirational and familiar. But behind the natural charm is a woman who has spent nearly two decades building a career with adaptability and grit.  

Radio host, MC, writer, digital creator, podcaster and internet big sister are just some of the Gqeberha-born media maven’s many titles. Somehow, she makes all of it look effortless – even though the journey has been anything but. 

At 37, Sibongile exists in a rare, sweet spot: deeply experienced yet constantly evolving. She belongs to a generation of media personalities who witnessed the decline of old media, the explosion of digital culture and the rise of online influence in real time -and instead of resisting change, she leaned into it fully. 

The result? A career that feels expansive, modern and unmistakably hers, but where did it all begin?  

A star is born  

Long before breakfast radio and brand campaigns, there were church plays and school speeches. Sibongile loved entertaining people, making them laugh and the thrill of performance. 

While other kids dreaded oral presentations she leaned into them. “Growing Up, I thoroughly enjoyed being at the centre of attention,” she laughs. 

“That whole thing of dance for auntie’? I loved it, I was excited to do it. Even at school, I loved the speeches and the competitiveness of that.” 

 Sibongile on the Mic  

That hunger would become the thread pulling her through every era of media evolution. There was a stint writing for lifestyle publications where she covered weddings, festivals and parties in what she describes as her Sex and the City era. “While working for the Sunday Times’ Lifestyle section, I met people and told their stories, and that reignited my passion for journalism again. But I still had that feeling of wanting to be on air,” she says.  

@sboshmafu Come to work with me again 📻 #radio #radiopresenter #broadcasting #media ♬ original sound – Sibongile Mafu

 “Fortunately, I still had a relationship with the radio station, and they asked if I could fill in for people. And then I filled in on a breakfast show for a period of time, and they said: We love what you’re doing – would you consider staying on? 

“I was 25 at that time. And before that, I’d had a graveyard snow and that’s when the momentum radio kicks in. I was able to be a part of the first iteration of the KM breakfast show for about three years, and now I’m on the current iteration with the new team.” 

Today, she’s spent a decade in morning radio, a rare feat in an industry that has been proclaimed dead for many years. But her real superpower wasn’t just her voice, it was foresight. While traditional media still viewed social media with suspicion, she saw possibility. 

Digital Darling  

Self-proclaimed “Twitter (now called X) ancestor”, Sibongile was always curious about social media. “Somewhere between being on radio and writing, social media became a thing, and I built a digital career. I’m a millennial and we were there when the social media doors opened. We didn’t know what it was, but I was intrigued. We told stores on Twitter. I was like: I can’t just be a student journalist. 

@sboshmafugirl lunch♬ original sound – Sibongile Mafu

I have to be online. I have to be visible.” While others hesitated, Sibs showed up consistently and that visibility changed everything. “It was a very lucky time for me because I was able to play in traditional digital media. It was this new scary thing, and I took advantage of that. I got so many opportunities I got to work at Cosmopolitan and write for Marie Claire,” Sibongile says. 

“I got to do influencer work before we had a name for it. People wanted to partner with me, and I would tell stories about it on social media, but we didn’t really know what it was.”

@sboshmafu Replying to @Claudia ♬ Naaa Meaan – Nadia Nakai

*I’m very intentional about the community I’m building,” she explains. “My content is very woman-focused. Single girl in the city, let me show you my life vibes.” It’s a life many women recognise intimately: building careers while building themselves. Learning how to pivot when industries collapse, and how to be visible in spaces that still underestimate women. 

It’s Her world  

Sibongile speaks candidly about navigating broadcasting spaces dominated by male leadership, and understanding early that she needed to become undeniable. “I wanted to be in control of my own destiny,” she says. ” I wanted to be so good that they come to me.” 

 That mindset became survival strategy and self-preservation all at once. When media jobs disappeared during COVID and magazines shuttered overnight, many creatives found themselves forced into reinvention. Sibongile did too. But instead of walking away from the industry, she expanded inside it. “I was working at Cosmo during the pandemic when they shut down. I could’ve walked away from the industry then, but I loved it so much. I decided if the industry doesn’t have space for me, I will carve out my own lane.” And carve it, she did. 

Today, her influence and impact stretches across radio studios, podcasts and social feeds. But beneath all the career accolades, there is something even more compelling: intention. Nothing about Sibongile feels accidental. Not the community she’s built both online and on radio. Not the way women gravitate towards her honesty. Not how she shows up in any space. Not her relentless ambition. Not even the way she speaks about creativity now – not as hustle, but as alignment. 

What Now? 

And yet, for someone who has already conquered so many corners of the media world, Sibongile still speaks like someone standing at the beginning of something. There’s no sense of arrival nor creative complacency. “You know podcasts are a bit of a slow burn and I like the idea of that. I like the idea of taking my time to build something on my own. As much as I enjoy social media and it’s given me so much, I think it’s going to be a volatile space. It could look very different soon. And so, I think it’s worth exploring the idea of building my own platform. I will then also have the space to bring more people in and that’s important to me because I feel like I have so much to share so ‘m open to whatever that looks like.”  

Want to read more? Subscribe to Balanced Life Magazine to get the full scoop!

Words: Mecayla Maseka  

Photography Assistants: Austin Taylor, Yasser Abdul  

Stylist Assistants: Lutho Ozoemenam, Mia-Tess Smith, Lethabo Mncwanga  

Hair & Make-Up: Jacqui/Supernova  

Text Courtesy of Balanced Life Magazine  

The post Behind the Mic: Sibongile Mafu appeared first on TFG Media.

If Breaking Bad or Batman have taught anyone anything, it’s that people love an anti-hero. And to play an anti-hero, you need nerves of carbon fibre. That display of moral anguish, that swagger to be convincingly in the ‘grey’ area, takes a kind of intensity that you commonly see on a sports field – the heated moment of a yellow card, then the gleeful celebration after scoring a goal just moments later. It’s the kind of role an underdog knows well. It’s a role that the brilliant rising star (and our Newest favourite Englishman) Damson Idris just gets. 

Starting Grid  

Like many young boys, Damson had aspirations to become the next Christiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. But, like so many before him, he would have gone pro if it weren’t for his knee injury. 

“Do you know what it was? 

I didn’t listen! I never used to listen when I played football, he told NativeMag. Luckily for him, and for us, Damson could still live his sporting dream – only in the form of Formula 1 racing, on screen. 

Today, we can see Damson’s personality shine through in range of work. His wit, humour and versatility resonates across his acting repertoire, whether it’s as a Nigerian boy sent to a British family in Farming; a ‘crack’ kingpin in the six-season series Snowfall, or as a hot-headed rookie driver in F1: The Movie. 

@mtvuk It’s just banter 😌 who else has seen #DamsonIdris in #F1Movie already? In cinemas now ✨ #F1 #filmtok #mtvmovies ♬ original sound – mtvuk

 The latter role showcased a character, Joshua Pearce, who was synonymous with traits such as ‘arrogant’ or ‘cocky, but in reality Damson is disciplined and humble. 

He admits that when people confuse him with his character in real life, it’s a reminder that he still has a way to go. 

“It proves to me that I still have a legacy to build. It proves to me that there’s so much longer on this journey that I need to go” he told Complex Magazine. 

Installation Lap  

A close friend of real-life F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, Damson says that he truly came to understand the nature of the sport after acting in F1: The Movie. 

“Before that project, my focus really was on the drivers. I didn’t really know too much about the intricacies of the sport and just how much detail and how much of a team effort it is for each team,” Damson told The New York Times’ The Athletic. “After filming the movie is when I really understood that it really takes a village to pull this off, and I just found a deeper respect for the sport, really.” 

Like his role in Snowfall, Damson approached the role of Joshua Pearce with as much grit and determination as he could. 

To prepare for the role, “I really immersed myself privately in the sport,” he told The Athletic. 

“I was following all the races. I was driving privately in California. I was doing a bunch of sim work and really trying to live the life of a driver as much as I could, so I could really relate and understand the sport as much as possible.” 

@wwd #damsonidris talks all things #f1 and fast cars @F1 Movie ♬ original sound – WWD

Filming for the 2025 box-office hit was largely done live on actual F1 grids. This meant that Damson and co-star Brad Pitt did plenty of their own driving, which gave them a huge appreciation of what F1 drivers go through in terms.  

“I tried to transform myself as much as possible, because it wasn’t only about the physicality of it, really. It was about the mind too. I knew that if I had mentally prepared for this stuff, alongside physically preparing, it was going to bring me closer to feeling like a Formula 1 driver. 

“Going from racetrack to racetrack, it was unlike anything I could ever imagine. The first time we did it, I said to myself, ‘Okay, this is the happiest moment of my life!” he told the Robb Report. 

Track Evolution  

After starring in the film about the increasingly popular sport, which became one of the biggest hits of 2025, Damson was invited to be the Global Brand Ambassador for Formula 1 (the actual F1). 

“I had an enormous amount of respect for it before making the film, he says, “but getting closer to it gave me a real understanding of the innovation, the heart and the intensity behind everything, and the elite level those drivers operate at.” 

Being an ambassador for the F1 brand has given him a seat at the table – the one where growth is possible. At this year’s Academy Awards (Oscars) parties, Damson flaunted his jewellery brand, Didris, and a custom brooch with F1 engraved in it. 

His jewellery brand is characterised by unique, artisanal pieces – colourful and full of personality. 

@gq #DamsonIdris rolled up to the #F1 ♬ original sound – GQ

“Didris is redefining fine jewellery, pushing creative boundaries to craft timeless pieces that honour where you’ve been and where you’re going, according to the website. Even here, he’s taking us on a ride – but a slower, more scenic route. 

The brooch he wore sparkled with a seven-carat marquise-cut blue diamond surrounded by 42 white diamonds. 

The discipline and drive Damson displays was there long before he ever got behind the wheel. From football rainbow flicks and leg-overs to 360-degree spins on an F1 track, he’s grown accustomed to whiplash – both physical and professional. 

The question is: can we keep up? 

 Read the full article when you subscribe to Man Magazine today!

Words: Saadiqah Schroeder  

The post Damson Idris’s fast lane to fame appeared first on TFG Media.

1. Bomber jacket  

Whether you own a jacket in a suede-like fabric or melton fabric a chocolate brown version is a trendy and fantastic outerwear choice for any ensemble. Rather than opting for an oversized fit over a snug top, consider pairing a form-fitting or cropped jacket with a loose-fitting shirt or a voluminous skirt. Then finish the look with your favourite sneakers or a pair of slouchy boots for an on-trend, effortlessly chic vibe that turns heads wherever you go. 

@ode_apparel.za Which is your favorite day of the week to dress up for? Forget basic layers—this leather funnel neck bomber is your new style superpower. It’s the ultimate mix of edgy structure and effortless, high-end polish. Just throw it over anything to instantly upgrade your look from simple to standout. Which of these four styling vibes—Elevated Neutral, Monochrome Chic, Casual Cool, or Sophisticated Edge—best fits your personal aesthetic? #WardrobeStaple #OdeApparel #bomberjackets #fashioninspo #everydayfashion ♬ Soft Notes, Strong Feelings – Lloyd Frontiny

2. Corduroy pants 

Corduroy pants are equal parts cosy and stylish. And exactly why opting for a relaxed fit is the way to go when choosing this fabric. These brown corduroy balloon-pair chords are the perfect (and don’t forget, effortless) chilly-weather solution. Complete the look with a bulky corduroy shacket in a similar colour. Worried that you’ll be swallowed in your loose-fitting clothes? Break up your look with a plain fitted or cropped T-shirt. 

@soniakose Styling my brown @Elwood corduroy pants with what I already have in my closet #creatorsearchinsights #corduroypantsoutfit #corduroypants #winteroutfits ♬ Today’s Pick – Sari SM

3. Long-sleeved maxi dress 

Is there anything better than a one-and-done outfit? This brown long-sleeved maxi dress is a sleek way to wear your favourite shade of brown this winter. A pair of knee-length pointed boots is the perfect accessory to this outfit, with a melton coat thrown over your shoulders for an instant luxe feel. For a more casual feel, style your winter maxi with retro sneakers and a bomber jacket. The best part? Sore feet won’t be on your list of worries for the day. 

@taylagattellarii @SNDYS this dress is so gorg #winterfashion #maxidress #outfitinspo #ootd ♬ original sound – Zach_Ghostmedia

4. Pleather midi skirt 

A pleather skirt can be surprisingly versatile in winter. Try an all-brown tonal look by pairing your pleather skirt with a turtleneck in a similar shade. Finish with knee-high boots for work or dinner. For balance, you can also pair your skirt with a chunky knit and loafers for a more laid-back vibe.  

@carolyneschipper Styling a faux leather midi skirt #stylingideas #stylingmidiskirts #transionaloutfits #falloutfitinspo #stylingtips ♬ Positive Vibes – Positive Kay

5. Knee-high boots 

Chocolate brown boots are your versatile new go-to boots this winter. If you choose to go for an all-brown look, the trick is to rely on different textures and play with lengths to avoid your head-to-boot tonal look from becoming dull. Wear knee-highs with a mini skirt and a longer trench coat in similar hues to make your outfit turn heads in fashion envy when you walk by. 

@lizpolancco Monochrome chocolate brown moment 🤎 layering a timeless camel trench with a mini dress + knee-high boots. Effortless, chic, and perfect for fall outfit inspiration 🍂 #FallFashion #OOTD #StyleInspo #TrenchCoatStyle ♬ original sound – Avery Loro🇨🇦

Also read: 4 Stylish accessories you need this winter

The post 5 stylish ways to wear chocolate brown this winter appeared first on TFG Media.

The ultimate winter warmer: Sweet potato brinjal curry 

Serves 4-6 

Ingredients 

½ cup olive or canola oil
600g baby brinjals, roughly chopped
1 onion, chopped 
1 tsp cumin seeds 
5 cloves garlic, chopped 
2cm knob grated ginger
1 chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp chilli powder
½ tsp turmeric
1 can (400g) peeled and chopped tomatoes
1 Tbsp sugar
2 large, sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup water
½ lemon
Salt and milled pepper
Handful chopped coriander
Bread, for serving      

Method   

1. Heat half the oil in a heavy-based pot over medium heat.  
2. Add the brinjals and fry on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.  
3. Heat remaining oil in the same pot and sauté onion and cumin seeds until fragrant and soft, about 5-8 minutes. 
4. Add garlic, ginger, chilli and spices, then sauté for about 3 minutes.  
5. Tip in tomatoes, add sugar and simmer for 8-10 minutes. 
6. Add sweet potatoes and water, cook for another 15-20 minutes.  
7. Stir in fried brinjals and cook for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally and adding extra water if needed.  
8. Add a generous squeeze of lemon juice and season.  
9. Stir through coriander and serve with bread on the side.  

Cook’s note
Sop up with buttery garlic naan or parathas for the ultimate ‘utensil’.  

Recipe & photography courtesy of Fresh Living Magazine  

For the seafood lover: Seafood paella

Serves 4-6 

Ingredients 

3 Tbsp olive oil
8-12 prawns, cleaned
400g hake or any sustainable white fish
Salt and milled pepper
1 large onion, chopped
2 large red peppers, finely chopped  

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 large salad tomatoes, grated
1 ½ cups arborio (risotto) rice
1 Tbsp smoked paprika
3-4 threads saffron (optional)  

5 cups hot fish or vegetable stock
8-12 mussels, cleaned and steamed
Fresh parsley, lemon wedges and aioli, for serving    

Method 

1. Heat half the oil in a large ovenproof pan. 
2. Fry prawns and fish until parcooked. Season, remove from pan and set aside. Add remaining oil to pan and fry onion until soft. 
3. Add peppers, garlic and tomato and fry for 5-8 minutes. Increase heat and stir through rice and paprika, then fry for a few seconds. 
4. Combine saffron, if using, with stock and pour over rice. 
5. Briefly stir to combine, then avoid stirring for the rest of the cooking time. 
6. Simmer for 3 minutes, reduce heat then simmer for 5 more minutes or until liquid is just below rice level.   
7. Return prawns and fish to pan then add mussels. 
8. Cover with foil and bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for 5 minutes. 
9. Remove and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Top with parsley and serve with lemon and aioli on the side.   

Recipe & photographs courtesy of Fresh Living Magazine 

Skimp on lots of dirty dishes with: Cider chicken & barley traybake  

Serves 6 

Ingredients   

2-3 Tbsp olive oil blend 
200g streaky bacon
1 cup dried pearl barley
800g oven roast vegetable mix 
1 bulb garlic, halved 
12 bone-in chicken thighs 
Salt and milled pepper 
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 bottle (330ml) apple cider
1 ½ – 2 cups chicken stock
1 Tbsp wholegrain mustard 
3 Tbsp basil pests, for serving
Chopped parsley, to garnish
Basil leaves, to garnish    

Method   

1. Preheat oven to 200°C.  
2. Heat a pan with a drizzle of oil over high heat and cook bacon, but not until fully crispy. Drain on paper towel and roughly chop into 2cm chunks.  
3. Place barley in the base of a 35x45cm deep oven dish.  
4. Top barley with oven roast veggies and garlic halves. Season.  
5. Season chicken thighs well. Sprinkle with spices and arrange the chicken among the vegetables, on top of the barley. Drizzle chicken and vegetables with remaining oil.   
6. Pour the apple cider around the chicken in the dish. Mix the chicken stock and mustard together and pour in the dish.  
7. Roast for about 25 minutes. 
8. Cover with foil, lower the temperature to 180°C and bake for 1 hour more.  
9. Spoon over basil pesto, sprinkle with chopped parsley and top with basil leaves to serve.  

 Recipe & styling: Lichelle May
Photography: Zhann Solomons 

For the dad who loves a steak: Perfect pan-fried steak with Zhoug sauce

Serves 2   

Ingredients  

About 650g T-bone steak
Salt and milled pepper
1 Tbsp butter
Olive oil for frying
6 baby onions, peeled and halved   

For the zhoug sauce  

2 cloves garlic, chopped
30g coriander
2- 3 fresh jalapeño chillies, seeds removed
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chilli flakes / cup olive oil
1 lime, zested and juiced 
Salt and milled pepper  

 Method 

1. Pat steak dry and season liberally. 
2. Heat a cast iron pan over high. Placing fat-side down first, cook steak until most of the fat is rendered out, about 5 minutes. 
3. Add butter to the pan and cook steak for about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare finish (or cook to your preferred doneness). 
4. Remove from heat and set aside to rest for 10 minutes. 
5. Add olive oil to a pan and sear baby onions on medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side or until dark brown. Season and set aside. 
6. For the zhoug sauce, place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until a thick sauce forms. Season. 
7. Serve steak with the caramelised baby onions and zhoug sauce.  

Recipes & photographs courtesy of Fresh Living Magazine

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On the world stage: Masali Baduza 

With her onscreen grace and charming looks, Masali has captured the hearts of Bridgerton fans around the world. She’s stepped into the role of Michaela Stirling on Season 4 of this Netflix hit – a character she describes as “well-travelled, well-read and the life of the party”. Masali, who was born in East London, won a scholarship to study at the New York Film Academy (LA campus), then returned to SA’s stages. Her big break came in 2020 as the lead in BBC’s sci-fi TV drama Noughts + Crosses, followed by a role in the 2022 movie The Woman King before Bridgerton called. Her story is one of reaching for your dreams beyond familiar borders, encouraging young South Africans to not only believe in themselves, but to never doubt how far they can go – no matter how distant their dream may seem.  

@netflixsaThe more I learn about Masali Baduza, the more obsessed I become😍♬ original sound – Netflix South Africa

Global plates to local hearts: Carla Schulze 

Determined to bring the heat in the global culinary world, executive chef Carla Schulze has been named the 2026 Luxe Restaurant Awards Chef of the Year. While she was “hardly the star student” during her school years in Joburg, she found her feet in the kitchen. Carla graduated in 2016 as the top student at the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in KZN, going on to be mentored by world-renowned chef Luke Dale Roberts, who chose her in 2023 to head up his Cape Town fine-dining restaurant, Salon. At the age of 30, she leads a technically demanding kitchen and a team who are given the space to “mess up, ask questions and learn without fear”. Carla reminds us that passion, self-belief and hard work will always make room for you at the table.  

Dissertations in rhyme: Kitso Seti 

Dedicated to shedding light on a “new and true humanity”, Kitso is making waves in the music landscape through a blend of multi-disciplinary talent, academia (he has a Masters in Politics) and raw, poetic voice. Hailing from Khayelitsha, he channels the pulse of the townships into music and spoken-word poetry that engages with political theory, unpacking the evolving meaning of Black Consciousness and post-apartheid identity. As one of the leading proponents of Cape Town genre ‘spaza hip-hop’, Kitso uses his platform to conscientise audiences. Whether he’s behind the mic, directing a theatre production or lecturing at the University of Cape Town and Rhodes, he is living proof of multi-disciplinary excellence; that there’s no reason to limit yourself and that you can do it all. 

From Witsie to World Changer: Dr Brad Segal 

Reimagining rigid career paths and combining them, Bradley ‘Max’ Segal is the talk of the town this Youth Month. In his late 20s, he’s a medical doctor, biomedical engineer, software engineer and data scientist! Dr Brad has merged the fields to create the perfect convergence of academic excellence that sets him apart and makes him the face of STEM in South Africa. It’s not only his accolades that do the talking but his approach to his work, rooted in empathy, accessibility and equity. Pushing his different roles all at once, he is transforming the game with intellect and determination at Oxford University’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering, focusing on AI and clinical health-informatics research. Dr Brad is living proof that your potential truly lies in your ability to fetch your life – not one, but all of them. 

In the driver’s seat: Liyema Letlaka 

At just 23 years old, Liyema proves that you don’t need years of experience to reshape culture and break into gate-kept industries. As the Acting CEO of the Southern African Endurance Series (SAES), she is the youngest person and first black woman to lead a motorsport series in the country – and proof that this generation is not waiting for the future, but building it. A competitive racer from the age of nine, a bad crash ended her driving career early. Rather than walking away from the sport, this trailblazer shifted gears to the business side, reinventing both herself and a sector seen as elitist. “Success is making space for people who look like me.” For anyone contemplating a career pivot, let her story be your inspiration. 

Diving into purpose: Kaylene Corbett 

Breaststroke specialist and frequent podium finisher, Kaylene is setting the standard for the next generation of South African sports stars. The Bloemfontein-born swimmer is the training partner of Olympic and world champion Tatjana Schoenmaker, and rapidly on her way to becoming one herself. From 2016 to now, she’s won medals at the African Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships – next up, the 2028 Olympics… While picking up medals and flying the SA flag high in international competitions, she is also a student at the University of Pretoria, pursuing a degree in education. With the power of persistence, training hard to improve for over a decade, Kaylene is bridging the gap between aspiration and reality. She reminds us that everyone has an ‘Olympic Dream’ – the one thing that matters most to you, and that you never stop striving for. 

@kaylenecorbett It’s more than just what happens in the pool. 🏊🏼‍♀️ The part you don’t see is the effort it takes to get up, stay focused, and choose the hard things when no one’s watching. 👀 Here’s a look at just how normal a Monday morning even when the motivation wasn’t there on this particular morning. 🤧 A few things that help me start my week: • Show up, even if it’s not perfect. • Find one small win before 9am. • ⁠Don’t stay in bed for too long otherwise you won’t get up. Here’s to a Monday that moves you forward, even just a little. 🤍🏊‍♀️✨#poweradepartner ♬ original sound – Kaylene Corbett

Words: Mbali Zangqa 
Photographs: Gallo/Getty images (including background), supplied

Also read: Actor Olly Zondi: From sports to stardom

The post South Africa’s next generation of trailblazers appeared first on TFG Media.

For Jesse Suntele, this Father’s Day will land differently. Over the past year, stepping into fatherhood, he’s been navigating its realities and finding a new rhythm between work and home.

@mbuyiselovilakazi Jesse Suntele speaks about his character on Meet The Khumalos on @Netflix South Africa #meetthekhumalos #whattowatch #netflixandchill #netflix #comedy #jessesuntele ♬ original sound – mbuyiselovilakazi

Perhaps better known as J-Flo, the rapper, actor and model has enjoyed a steady rise in the entertainment industry. He now finds himself in a season that’s less about building a name and more about building a life.  

Jesse has never rushed his story. His career, much like his personal life now, has been built with patience and structure, one step at a time. 

Subscribe to Jet Club Magazine and read all about Jesse’s exciting new chapter!

Words:  Rughsaar Bibi Ismail
Photography:  Zhann Solomons 
Styling: Mia-Tess Smith

The post Building a life after building a name: Jesse Suntele’s story appeared first on TFG Media.

 

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Born in Kwazulu-Natal and now based between Cape Town and London, Seth Shezi has built a career that sits at the intersection of style, food and culture. Although none of those labels quite encompass him entirely, he moves through all three with a quiet certainty.

He’s the creative director of his own life, a man who has turned taste into his language and livelihood. From being named one of South Africa’s best-dressed men to becoming a respected voice in the dining scene, his rise has been less about reinvention and more about refinement. 

 

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Over late-afternoon drinks at Tannin in Cape Town, that sense of control softens. It’s his choice of setting – outdoor seating where the city moves around you. He says he likes to sit here, watch the foot traffic, take it all in. His drink of choice arrives: a classic Negroni. 

It’s not long before the planned structure of the interview dissolves. When Seth talks about food – really talks about it – you find yourself pulled in. He connects flavour to memory, fashion to feeling, art to everyday life, with an ease that feels instinctive rather than rehearsed. 

The conversation drifts, as it always does, towards home.  

Where are you based now? Where do you feel most yourself? It’s an easy question, but he doesn’t answer it lightly. Home, he says, isn’t fixed. It’s not about geography; it’s about where the work happens and where the ideas take shape. Right now, that place is London. 

“It’s where my art lives,” he says with a chuckle. 

 Read Seth Shezi’s full article when you subscribe to Man Magazine today!

Words by: Rughsaar Bibi Ismail 
Photography: Zhann Solomons 
Styling: Mia-Tess Smith 

The post Seth Shezi: Creative director of his own life appeared first on TFG Media.

Model. Presenter. Travel content creator. Style authority. Muso. Father. It’s a list that reads like a modern renaissance man, but for Tino Chinyani, the titles that matter most don’t come with contracts or campaigns; they come with responsibility, presence and love. 

As we sit down with the Zimbabwean-born creative, now firmly part of South Africa’s cultural landscape, it’s clear that fatherhood has reshaped his priorities and redefined his purpose. 

@tiyani_afrika Perfecting the details of the editors choice with @Markham1873 💎🥂🌊 #fyp #mensfashion #Markham #love #family @Relay Jeans ♬ original sound – Tino Chinyani

This Father’s Day issue isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. And Tino is showing us what it really means to raise boys into men – with intention, faith and a deep understanding that it all starts at home. 

 Want to read more about Tino Chinyani? Subscribe to Club Magazine for the full scoop!

Words: Chandre Emma Kippie  
Photography: Zhann Solomons 
Styling: Gasant Kellerman 

The post Tino Chinyani talks fatherhood, fashion & the art of showing up appeared first on TFG Media.

There’s a specific kind of electricity that only Harlem can produce – a rhythmic, neon-lit energy that fuses the grit of the pavement with the grace of the catwalk. If you were to bottle that energy, label it and give it a pair of gravity-defying sneakers, it would look exactly like Teyana Taylor. At 35, Teyana isn’t just a performer; she’s a cultural engineer who has spent two decades proving that “glamour” isn’t about the dress you wear, but the history that you carry within it. 

Her rise to fame reads like a blueprint for the modern multi-hyphenate. While most teenagers were navigating the awkward hallways of high school, a 15-year-old Teyana was already in the rehearsal room with Beyoncé, choreographing the high-octane, siren-wailing visuals for the ‘Ring the Alarm’ music video. She didn’t just enter the industry; she kicked the door down with a swivel and a smirk. From her first major introduction to the public consciousness on MTV’s My Super Sweet 16 – where her bravado was as oversized as her birthday plans – to her current status as a global icon, Teyana is an all-round entertainer who can stop the world with a single frame. Who could forget the cultural earthquake of her viral performance in Kanye West’s ‘Fade’ music video? It was a moment of pure, athletic glamour that redefined the female form in the digital age. 

Since then, Teyana has performed in the last two editions of Vogue World, became the youngest winner of The Masked Singer in 2022, and showcased her vibrant persona on the late-night circuit by hosting Saturday Night Live earlier this year. Yet, even with the world at her feet, she remains a student, having enrolled at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Teyana Taylor is a woman who refuses to be finished – she is a perpetual motion machine and right now, she’s moving towards a legacy that is purely, undeniably glamorous. 

Want to read more about this modern multi-hyphenate? Subscribe to Balanced Life Magazine to get Teyana Taylor’s full scoop!

Words: Geraldine Amoko 
Photography: Getty Images, Will Heath/NBC

The post Teyana Taylor is modern glamour personified appeared first on TFG Media.