A bold new look sparks confusion
Award-winning actress Thuso Mbedu is no stranger to trending headlines, but her latest photoshoot set social media ablaze for an unexpected reason. Sporting a sleek pixie cut styled by photographer Raul Romo, Thuso shared images that had many South Africans convinced they were looking at none other than American R&B star Kelly Rowland.
The resemblance was so striking that comments poured in across Instagram and X, with people double-checking captions to make sure it really was Thuso.
Fans see double
The post quickly racked up many views, with Mzansi weighing in through humour and admiration.
Some were genuinely stunned:
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“I honestly thought this was Kelly Rowland ❤”
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“Oh damn, I was almost convinced.”
Others leaned into the running joke that’s followed Kelly Rowland in South Africa for years, after radio personality Anele Mdoda once claimed she wasn’t attractive without make-up. That comment became one of the country’s longest-running memes, and fans wasted no time reviving it.
One user joked, “Anele must not see this, she’ll be triggered.” Another added, “@KELLYROWLAND come get yo long lost daughter.”
Anele, Kelly, and the long-standing debate
The sudden comparison touched on more than just a haircut. Back in 2019, Anele’s comments about Kelly Rowland’s looks drew backlash and endless memes. The debate resurfaced whenever Kelly trended, and Thuso’s new photos reignited the humour.
By resembling Kelly in her latest shoot, Thuso unintentionally placed herself in the middle of one of South Africa’s most enduring pop culture conversations.
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A Hollywood star with local roots
Thuso Mbedu’s career has only grown since she broke into Hollywood, with roles in series such as The Underground Railroad and her latest project, Task. She has also faced criticism for her polished American accent, which she explained was part of her craft after working alongside international co-stars.
Her new look shows just how versatile she can be, not just as an actress but as a style icon. While the Kelly Rowland comparisons sparked jokes, they also highlighted how proudly South Africans claim her success on the global stage.
Close enough, when are you beating Anele 🥺🥺🥺 https://t.co/F2WwGutNHq
— Aphelele Jody (@ApheleleJody) September 27, 2025
Why the reaction matters
In a country where celebrity culture often blurs with humour, this story says as much about South Africa as it does about Thuso. Fans weren’t mocking her; they were celebrating the resemblance and reviving an inside joke that has run for years. It’s a reminder of how shared commentary, even lighthearted, can keep public figures deeply connected to their home audience, no matter how far their careers take them.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: African Insider
