Following the passing of well-known media figure Maria McCloy, who had made a name for herself as a publicist, fashion designer, and DJ, a video of her 50th birthday bash resurfaced online. The cheerful clip showed Maria receiving a surprise performance by South African singer Joe Nina, leaving many social media users smiling.
Also see: Media industry giant Maria McCloy passes away at 50
The TikTok video, posted on 30 January 2026, 10 days after Maria’s birthday, revealed that the singer performed his hit Ding Dong in front of her and the crowd, a performance Maria said was secretly organised by her thoughtful friends.
Maria told the online crowd:
“No, he did not write it about me, LOL. It was a hit when I was at varsity, so my friends nicknamed me Podesta.”
@maria.mccloyMY FRIENDS DID THIS ON MY 50th !!! A JOE NINA MARIA PODESTA SURPRISE!! No he did not write it about me LOL. it was a hit when i was at varsity so my friends nicknamed me Podesta! Oh my God @zenafro @shadesandlayerspodcast @a.noqi @thandiswamazwai @dannibowler @nokulindamkhize @timohorwood @milisuthando.bd♬ original sound – Maria McCloy
According to TimesLive, Joe shared that the news of Maria’s death came as a shock to him, sharing that some of his last words to her were that he was proud of the work she had done.
Also see: K.O’s new video for Ding Dong is here
He told the abovementioned publication:
“I really cared and appreciated her. Even though it was not an intimate relationship, it was a big brother and little sister love.”
Media commentator Phil Mphela reshared the clip on X, leading social media users on the platform to respond with love.
@maetsa_kabomo wrote in the comment section:
“I didn’t know who she was until Clement [Manyathela] interviewed her. She seemed like a lovely soul. May her soul rest in peace.”
@selloAbello shared under the post:
“Oh no. That is so sad. Maria was such an indomitable and quiet spirit in the Jozi cityscape. What a massive loss. May you rest in peace, beautiful soul. Jozi will not be the same without you.”
Familiar with Maria’s work, @PortiaAdamsH responded:
“By turning unconventional spaces into her workplace, she showed that passion can reshape the rules. A soldier in the PR Space! Rest in power, my lady.”
Also see: ‘You connected us’: Claire Mawisa pays tribute to Maria McCloy
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