The Unsung Heroes of South Africa’s Entertainment Landscape in 2023

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south african showbiz quiet achievers Cape Town

In 2023, while some South African celebrities gained international recognition, others chose to live a quieter lifestyle. Among these “unsung heroes” were music artist Shekhinah, DJ Ankletap, actress Katlego Danke, and former Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane. Despite their low-key presence, these stars contributed significantly to the country’s cultural and artistic scene, and speculation remains about their future comebacks in 2024.

Who were the quiet achievers in South Africa’s entertainment landscape in 2023?

In 2023, while some South African stars gained international recognition, others opted for a quieter lifestyle. Among the quieter achievers were music artist Shekhinah, DJ Ankletap, actress Katlego Danke, and former Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane. Despite their low-key presence, these celebrities made significant contributions to the country’s cultural and artistic milieu. Speculation remains about which stars will make a resounding comeback in 2024.

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The Facet of Recession from the Limelight

The South African showbiz sector was a scene of intriguing contrast in 2023. While some stars, including Tyla, Bonang, and Trevor Noah, rocketed to international recognition due to their extraordinary performances and escalating popularity, a different group of celebrities decided to take a step back. These quieter stars of 2023 opted for a less noisy lifestyle, whether for the purpose of honing their skills or indulging in a well-earned break.

Shekhinah, the music artist born in Durban, is a notable figure amidst these quiet achievers. Her 2023 was relatively peaceful, with sparse mention of her name in local press. However, this low-key presence did not denote a lack of achievements. In contrast, she wrapped up the year victoriously, headlining the Hey Neighbour Festival in December. To her fans’ pleasure, she has also dropped hints of forthcoming music. Consequently, it would not be a surprise if the start of 2024 witnesses her tunes becoming a more frequent occurrence.

Transition and Growth: The Music Industry’s Soft-spoken Contributors

Another celebrated personality in South Africa’s music sphere, DJ Ankletap, also experienced a quieter 2023. His transition from YFM to the North-West station, YouFM, indicated the commencement of a new professional journey. DJ Ankletap, who has been consistently vocal about the significance of promoting mental health, probably benefited from this less hectic year as a time for recharging and personal development.

The acting industry also witnessed a quieter 2023 from Katlego Danke. This gifted actress and businesswoman was largely absent from media coverage, possibly due to her choice to distance herself from groundless gossip that had been circulating earlier in the year. Alternatively, it could be conjectured that she invested her time in readying for her next significant role post the completion of the widely-watched TV series, Gomora.

The Understated Presence of Former Beauty Queens

Further, Lalela Mswane, a former Miss South Africa, also chose to stay away from the public eye in 2023. Her decision to participate in the 2021 Miss Universe pageant held in Israel had stirred up controversy, which might have contributed to her quieter year.

Despite their low-key 2023, each of these celebrities has made significant contributions to South Africa’s cultural and artistic milieu. Their understated presence does not diminish the influence they have wielded. It’s important to remember that a quieter presence does not translate to a lesser impact. Instead, this period of relative silence offers these stars the chance to regroup, reassess, and make a comeback with fresh vigor and resilience.

Anticipating the Future: The Unpredictability of Show Business

As we approach 2024, speculation is rife about which of these stars will make a resounding comeback. However, only time holds the answer to this question. Until then, the suspense only enhances the charm and intrigue associated with these quieter celebrities, each captivating in their unique manner.

Hence, as much as 2023 was a year of dichotomy for the South African entertainment industry, it served to spotlight the quiet achievers who chose to step back from the limelight. It will be interesting to see how 2024 shapes up for these stars and the industry as a whole.

What was the reason for some South African stars to take a step back in 2023?

Some South African stars opted for a quieter lifestyle in 2023, possibly to hone their skills or indulge in a well-earned break. Others may have wanted to distance themselves from groundless gossip or controversy that had been circulating, or to commence a new professional journey.

Who were some of the quiet achievers in the music industry in 2023?

Among the quieter achievers in the music industry were Shekhinah and DJ Ankletap. Shekhinah headlined the Hey Neighbour Festival in December and hinted at forthcoming music, while DJ Ankletap transitioned from YFM to the North-West station, YouFM, and spoke out about the importance of promoting mental health.

What about the acting industry in 2023?

Katlego Danke, a gifted actress and businesswoman, was largely absent from media coverage in 2023, possibly due to her choice to distance herself from groundless gossip that had been circulating earlier in the year. Alternatively, it could be conjectured that she invested her time in readying for her next significant role post the completion of the widely-watched TV series, Gomora.

Who was the former Miss South Africa who took a quieter approach in 2023?

Lalela Mswane, a former Miss South Africa, also chose to stay away from the public eye in 2023. Her decision to participate in the 2021 Miss Universe pageant held in Israel had stirred up controversy, which might have contributed to her quieter year.

What impact did these quiet achievers have on South Africa’s cultural and artistic milieu?

Although these stars had a low-key presence in 2023, they made significant contributions to South Africa’s cultural and artistic scene. Their understated presence did not diminish the influence they have wielded.

What can we expect from these quieter celebrities in 2024?

Speculation remains about which of these stars will make a resounding comeback in 2024. Only time holds the answer to this question. Until then, the suspense only enhances the charm and intrigue associated with these quieter celebrities, each captivating in their unique manner.

Kagiso Petersen is a Cape Town journalist who reports on the city’s evolving food culture—tracking everything from township braai innovators to Sea Point bistros signed up to the Ocean Wise pledge. Raised in Bo-Kaap and now cycling daily along the Atlantic Seaboard, he brings a palpable love for the city’s layered flavours and even more layered stories to every assignment.

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