Basetsana Kumalo reflects on 'Top Billing' nostalgia and inspiring a new generation

The much-loved South African luxury lifestyle show, "Top Billing," is making its official comeback. True to its signature style, the return promises breathtaking views, familiar faces, colourful fashion, and enough nostalgia to illuminate a spring sky.

This week, the iconic brand hosted an exclusive reunion at Tintswalo Atlantic in Hout Bay, a venue known for its scenic beauty. The celebration, set against the ocean, golden light, and Cape Town’s dramatic cliffs, announced the upcoming "Top Billing Reunion Special", which will air on 27 November on S3 at 7pm.

Regular episodes are set to return in March 2026, featuring new segments that celebrate diverse cultures and storytelling with a modern twist.

Audiences can look forward to fresh themes such as eco-friendly luxury, sustainable design, and inspirational stories from emerging talents worldwide.

As someone who spent the evening out of my usual home office chair and inside this living piece of South African pop culture, the night felt both surreal and deeply affirming, a reminder of the show’s place in our collective memory.

The event, held in partnership with Corona, celebrated two milestones: the magazine show's much-anticipated return and Corona’s 100 Years Under the Sun centenary. During the evening, the two brands also introduced the Corona Beach 100, a global list highlighting the world’s most breathtaking coastlines.

South Africa proudly claimed four spots: Nature’s Valley, Kraal Baai, Boulders Beach, and Camps Bay, all of which will feature in the Reunion Special as the presenters revisit the country’s most loved seaside escapes.

This mix of luxury, nature, and storytelling reminded everyone why "Top Billing" defined lifestyle TV for 27 years: it taught us how to see the world differently with curiosity, joy and possibility.

The stars, the style and the spirit of the night

The guest list sparkled as brightly as the Atlantic. Presenters Ryle De Morny, Jonathan Boynton-Lee, and Fezile Mkhize reunited with former hosts Basetsana Kumalo, Michael Mol and executive producer Patience Stevens, alongside well-known personalities who shape SA’s creative scene.

Cape Town’s who's who stepped out in colourful, Ralph Lauren-leaning looks. The evening's notable guests included Chad Le Clos, the Olympic swimmer; Carissa Cupido from "Expresso"; Sine Mivuyo, the TikTok creator known for "TikTok Billing"; Tapfuma Makina, a TV personality and the voice artist for Top Billing; and Chad Jones, another renowned TikTok creator.

Their presence added to the energy of a stylish, fun and proudly South African evening.

In a quiet moment between the mingling and the laughter, I spoke with legendary former host Kumalo, who reflected deeply on the show’s return.

She described "Top Billing" as “a legacy brand that became part of South Africa’s cultural fabric.”

With over 30 years in media, she has watched how content evolved from prime-time TV to multi-screen digital viewing, from living-room audiences to TikTok commentary and meme culture. Yet, she believes the heart of "Top Billing" has never changed.

“'Top Billing' allowed people to dream,” Kumalo said.

“People who couldn’t travel saw the world through us. And those who could were inspired to explore even more.”

She added that the reboot is not just a return, it’s a promise to continue nurturing talent, highlighting excellence, and giving South Africans the courage to imagine bigger futures.

From OGs to Gen Z

One of the most striking themes of the night was the intergenerational love for "Top Billing".

Through “TikTok Billing”, Mivuyo has revived the show’s signature tone for a new audience and even helped push the demand for its comeback.

Kumalo acknowledged this shift: “Young people, millennials, Gen Z, they wanted 'Top Billing' back. They kept the language alive. They showed there’s still a hunger for premium lifestyle stories.”

Seeing former hosts, new voices, creatives, influencers, and fans in one space made the reunion feel bigger than TV. It felt like a cultural handover, a reminder that South Africa still believes in aspiration, beauty, and stories that make us proud.

In wrapping up our quick chat, Kumalo became emotional.

“This reunion is nostalgic. But it’s also a reminder: every South African child must never stop dreaming. Dream big. Reach for the stars. 'Top Billing' is here to show you what’s possible.”

Her words echoed the mood of the night: joy, pride, and a renewed belief in what South African lifestyle storytelling can be.

As the waves crashed below the venue and the evening wound down, it felt clear: "Top Billing" isn’t just returning. It’s rising into a new era, more colourful, more inclusive, and more inspiring than ever.

Come March 2026, millions of us will be right there, watching, dreaming and rediscovering the beauty of life through the lens of a show that shaped our idea of luxury, travel, design, and culture.

And South Africa is here for it.