Here’s what you missed in the celeb world last week.
Vanessa Bryant honours Gigi after UConn championship win
Vanessa Bryant paid a heartfelt tribute to her late daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, following the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies’ recent NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship win. Gigi, who passed away in a helicopter crash alongside her father Kobe in 2020, had once dreamed of playing for UConn.
In a now-deleted Instagram post, Vanessa reflected on how proud Gigi would have been, sharing an old letter Gigi had written in 2017 after UConn’s Final Four loss. The message, “WHEN YOU THINK YOU CAN’T, UCONN,” remains in UConn’s Instagram bio—a testament to the impact Gigi’s words had on the team.
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To honour her memory, UConn placed Gigi’s No. 2 jersey and flowers on the team bench during the final game, with a message that read: “Mambacita is forever a Husky.”
Fans flooded social media with emotional tributes, remembering the young star’s potential and her lasting legacy in women’s sport.
Tyla teams up with Pandora for personal charm collection
South African pop star Tyla has been announced as the new global ambassador for Pandora, unveiling a jewellery campaign that blends personal meaning with global style. The collaboration, Pandora Styled by Tyla, features charms inspired by her upbringing, music, and cultural heritage.
Standout pieces include the Cherry Blossom Charm, representing her breakout hit Water, and the Mini Shark Tooth Charm—a nod to her South African roots. Fans can style the charms on bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, echoing Tyla’s unique look.
In the campaign, she wears gold charms spelling out ‘Tygers’, her fanbase name. Tyla shared that jewellery-making was part of her childhood, with her mother giving her and her sisters beads to create bracelets—a memory that’s shaped her artistic expression.
This partnership coincides with Tyla’s Coachella debut and follows her Billboard Women in Music Impact Award win, marking yet another milestone in her rising global career.
Benny Blanco gives Selena Gomez the prom she never had
Music producer Benny Blanco recently turned his birthday celebration into an unforgettable gesture of love for his fiancée, Selena Gomez. During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Blanco revealed he threw a prom-themed party—not for himself, but for Gomez, who never experienced prom as a homeschooled teen.
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The celebration wasn’t about grandeur, but about creating a special memory rooted in thoughtfulness and love. Blanco’s effort resonated deeply with fans, offering a glimpse into the quiet, romantic side of celebrity relationships.
The gesture, coupled with their recent music collaboration, showcases the couple’s shared values and emotional connection beyond their public personas.
Rachel Kolisi enjoys island escape with her family in Mauritius
Fitness instructor and influencer Rachel Kolisi is currently on a family getaway in Mauritius, joined by her children and her estranged husband Siya Kolisi’s siblings, Liyema and Liphelo.
Rachel shared snapshots from their stay at Club Med Plantation Albion, capturing everything from beachside meals to family moments in the sun. She described the long-awaited trip as a dream come true and expressed her gratitude for having all four children with her.
Despite being a private person, Rachel told Women and Health magazine that sharing her experiences on Instagram has created a sense of healing through connection. Her openness continues to resonate with followers who appreciate her candid storytelling and family-focused content.
Black Coffee and Lira lead Cape Town Jazz Festival lineup
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is back from 25–26 April at the CTICC, and this year’s lineup promises unforgettable performances, with Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini set to headline in a groundbreaking live collaboration.
Their show will feature a full orchestra, special guest vocalists, and a blend of jazz and electronic sounds. Makhathini, a Blue Note Records artist, is known for fusing African spirituality with modern jazz, while Black Coffee brings his global DJ acclaim to the stage.
Joining them is Afro-soul singer Lira, making a powerful comeback after recovering from a stroke in 2022. Her return is a highlight for fans who’ve missed her soul-stirring voice and empowering lyrics.
Beyond music, the festival is a major economic driver for Cape Town, generating thousands of jobs and drawing in both local and international tourists. Since its inception, the CTIJF has trained nearly 4,000 young people and featured more than 3,600 artists from around the world.
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Featured Image: Instagram | Selenagomez & sportscenter
