This week in entertainment: From Giorgio Armani's death to podcast controversies and Sol Phenduka's exit

Lawsuits, reunions, tributes, new podcast shows and a major anniversary drove the entertainment conversation this week.

Here’s a fresh wrap of the biggest local and international stories over the past seven days.

Italian fashion designer Georgio Armani dies at 91

Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani died at the age of 91 "surrounded by his loved ones", his company said on Thursday.

"With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani," it said in a statement.

The contemporary designer- who opened his fashion house in Milan in 1975 - quickly rose to the top of the industry and has dressed some of the world's biggest stars during his career.

Meanwhile, Armani's funeral will reportedly be private but well-wishers can pay respects beforehand at a funeral chamber open on Saturday and Sunday in Milan.

Cardi B cleared in 2018 hallway altercation case

A Los Angeles jury found that Cardi B did not assault former security guard Emani Ellis during a 2018 encounter at a Beverly Hills OB-GYN office. 

The civil case, filed in 2020, included claims of assault, battery, slurs, emotional distress and interference with employment. The jury decided in under an hour that no assault occurred. 

Clips from the courtroom drew attention as Cardi swapped hairstyles and answered questions bluntly, but outside court, she asked fans not to harass Ellis or her family. 

She said she missed her children’s first day of school to attend the trial and warned she will pursue countersuits against what she called “frivolous lawsuits”.

Khabonina Qubeka is unhappy with the ‘Shaka iLembe’ finale edit

Khabonina Qubeka stated that the ending viewers saw for Queen Ntombazi in season two did not match what was originally filmed.

In a now-deleted post, she said scenes were cut or edited differently and that the broadcast broke her heart. 

On screen, the Ndwandwe fall to the Zulu forces and Ntombazi is killed, closing Qubeka’s run on the series. 

While some fans hoped for a supernatural escape, many still praised her performance on the TV drama, noting how she made a feared character compelling.

Rachel Kolisi recognised at Panache Women of Wonder Awards

Rachel Kolisi received a Panache Women of Wonder award at a South African ceremony that honours women driving impact across sectors. 

Founder Farzana Mayet described recipients as nation-builders, with honourees spanning health, education, arts and business. 

Kolisi took to Instagram and thanked her supporters after the event, which also honoured figures such as Dr Rowlene Wagner, Tina Thiart, Amanda Bothma, Jenny Morris and Caron Jeaven.

Tyla mourns her grandmother

Tyla paid tribute to her late grandmother, posting a picture from her 21st birthday and thanking her for guidance and family stories. 

She said those lessons shaped how she understands her roots and identity, including her Zulu heritage, and how it influenced her music. 

Fans filled the comments with condolences as the singer balances global success with personal loss.

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma launches podcast after Vuma FM exit

Following her departure from Vuma FM, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma launched a new podcast, “Zoom in with Jacinta MaNgobese Zuma", promising conversations that aim for substance over corny stunts.. 

She is also challenging Vuma FM’s handling of her contract ending and says she is seeking transparency to protect her reputation. 

In her sign-off, she called the radio her “first love” but stressed she is moving forward with new projects while legal steps continue.

Fifth Harmony reunites on stage without Camila Cabello

At the Jonas Brothers’ Dallas show, Normani, Lauren Jauregui, Ally Brooke and Dinah Jane surprised the crowd with “Worth It,” their first on-stage moment together in seven years. 

Cabello, who left in 2016, was on tour in Australia but she posted heart emojis in support. A same-day social media tease from the group sparked speculation and reports suggest the group is eyeing a larger comeback in 2026, with talk of a documentary around their return.

Kaya 959 fires Sol Phenduka over misogynistic comments

After concluding investigations, Kaya 959 ended Sol Phenduka’s contract, citing comments about Minnie Dlamini made on MacG’s Podcast and Chill, saying the conduct clashed with the station’s values. 

Management referenced a 2023 assurance from Phenduka that such behaviour would not recur and said the contractor agreement allows immediate termination when reputation is at risk. Phenduka later confirmed on X that he had been fired.

Bobbi Althoff and Drake clear the air on new podcast

Bobbi Althoff relaunched with “Not This Again” and hosted Drake for an 80-minute conversation that revisited their fallout after his 2023 appearance on her previous podcast. 

They discussed why the original interview was pulled, the effect on her bookings, and online chatter about Drake’s physique. 

The two apologised to each other and moved on to lighter topics, returning to the bed-set format that first made the duo go viral.

Somizi Mhlongo warns followers about impostor accounts

Somizi Mhlongo alerted fans to fake Instagram profiles using his name and image to solicit money or “prize” DMs. 

He reminded followers he would not ask them for money and shared red flags. People are urged to check for simple things such as no verification badge, odd handles, poor-quality posts, spelling errors, emoji-heavy messages and promises of winnings.

Mhlongo also urged fans to report suspicious accounts and avoid sharing personal details online.

Rihanna marks 20 years since her debut with ‘R20’ drop

Rihanna reflected on two decades since her debut album, "Music of the Sun", which was released on August 29, 2005, thanking fans, mentors and family for supporting her move from Barbados to a global career. 

To mark the milestone, she launched “R20” merchandise centred on her fan-created “Rhenna”, a stick-figure cartoon version of her which originated a fan meme, plus a vinyl box set covering all eight of her studio albums. 

From early hits like “Pon de Replay” to smashes such as “Umbrella”, “We Found Love” and “Diamonds”, and ventures like Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, she framed the anniversary as a moment of gratitude.