When it comes to the realm of celebrity culture, one of the topics that stir up speculation, curiosity and conversation is the romantic lives of the famed.
The way the rich and famous move can be quite captivating to audiences when their public lives are kept private. This mystery then results in internet users becoming detectives, finding bits and pieces of “evidence” to fuel rumours of whispered romances.
Below are five pairs of celebrities who have been rumoured to be dating.
Babes Wodumo and Zuma
During the month of love, Wololo hitmaker Babes Wodumo and amapiano singer Sabelo Zuma (who professionally goes by his surname) made headlines after rumours spread that the pair were dating. According to ZiMoja, the speculation around the relationship started late last year when Babes and Zuma were pictured together at a music event. Although, many assume the duo to be cousins.
Babes, who was married to the late producer Mampintsha, had also posted a now-deleted picture of the two.
Babes Wodumo x Zuma pic.twitter.com/95IoEsVWnR
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) February 7, 2024
Neither Babes nor Zuma have confirmed nor denied rumours of a relationship.
Natasha Thahane and Thembinkosi Lorch
The actress and soccer star are another pair who are alleged to be in a relationship. Thembinkosi, popularly known as Lorch, is also alleged to be the father of Natasha’s son.
In 2022, reports claimed that Natasha and Lorch tied the knot in a private ceremony after Natasha shared pictures on her Instagram account wearing a beautiful black and white traditional outfit.
View this post on Instagram
While congratulatory messages poured in, neither Natasha nor Lorch have confirmed their nuptials.
Shudufhadzo Musida and Maps Maponyane
Last year, a social media user took out their magnifying glass while others put their detective hats on after seemingly spotting media personality Masego ‘Maps’ Maponyane’s shoe in the reflection of one of Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo ‘Shudu’ Musida’s pictures, sparking dating rumours.
I thought she’s with Maps. Check that sneaker reflected on that flower vase? pic.twitter.com/cL5dZ3DkE5
— Aphiwe Sodlamba (@___aphiwe) August 20, 2023
Despite the “evidence” being shared, Shudu and Maps have not confirmed the dating rumours.
Trevor Noah and Zoë Mabie
It has been rumoured that comedian Trevor Noah is romantically linked to South African content creator Zoë Mabie. Rumours of the potential relationship started to swirl after one of Trevor’s friends, Xolisa Dyeshana, posted a few pictures of Trevor, Zoë and friends on vacation.
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Neither Trevor nor Zoë have confirmed the rumours of a relationship.
Nadia Nakai and Joel Booysen
Earlier this year, rumours of a relationship between rapper Nadia Nakai and businessman Joel Booysen took to the internet after Nadia was seen hanging out with Joel in a club in a TikTok video which used the club owner’s name.
@joelbooysen_ Family❤️ @nadianakai #nadianakai #joelbooysen ♬ girls need love x melted to you – 20%
However, Joel denied the rumours, saying, “Me and Nadia are just friends. We were at my nightclub in town and she hosted at my place that night.” He continued, “She took the video with no bad intentions but people went and added their own story. We are like brother and sister; nothing more.”
Speaking of the TikTok account, Joel said, “I have never had any TikTok accounts in my life, this account is big and plenty of people follow it thinking that it’s me.”
Also see: 8 South African celebrities you didn’t know were related
