Entertainment industry leaders, family and friends gathered on Wednesday at the Joburg Theatre to celebrate the extraordinary life of Maria McCloy, a multidisciplinary creative whose influence stretched far beyond the spotlight.
Known as a DJ, designer, public relations strategist, cultural connector, and passionate advocate for creative expression, McCloy was remembered as a woman whose warmth, generosity, and fearless authenticity left an indelible mark on South Africa’s entertainment and arts industry.
The memorial service was filled with emotion and heartfelt tributes as those closest to her reflected on how deeply she impacted their lives and careers.
McCloy died at the age of 50 on Tuesday evening last week at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg following heart failure.
For many, she was more than an industry figure, she was a mentor, a champion of talent, and a safe space for those trying to find their footing in the creative world. Her ability to bring people together, nurture talent, and create opportunities made her a beloved and respected presence across fashion, music, media, and nightlife.
TKZee member Zwai Bala reflected on a friendship and professional relationship spanning nearly three decades, remembering McCloy as one of the earliest believers in the group’s journey.
“I think for as long as my band has been around since the first release, Maria was there. And so basically we are peers and we grew up together in the industry, going on 30 years this year, a true treasure, I just always represented something so positive and so real and so amazing, done amazing stuff, not work, that’s just who she is.”
“It is sad to be caught so suddenly by her passing, but it’s also just a heartfelt love from everyone that’s showing so much of how much she was treasured by everyone. May she rest in peace from friends, colleagues, and their condolences to the family.”
Media personality and Feather Awards founder Thami Dish spoke emotionally about McCloy’s role in creating inclusive spaces and her unwavering support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I’m here today to witness the celebration of the incredible life of Maria McCloy, someone I’ve known as a kid, as a very forward and a lover of the nightlife. Maria had an incredible impact on who I chose to be and what I chose to serve in the industry and the creative industry,” he said.
“I just want to just take a moment to appreciate what you’ve given to us as the community and I say community representing or speaking for the LGBTQIA plus community that you opened doors for and so when I hear a lot of people who are around who speak about how you made it easier for them to access things and to access events and places and how you created a safe landing pad for queer people to exist, to be in that space that propelled and grew the creative industry, I am even more proud of knowing you.”
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe described McCloy as “a giant in the arts sector” whose influence reached countless creatives.
“Today was a day full of happiness and of course sadness, a very short-lived life, a giant in the arts sector, a woman who was loved by many, a woman who touched many lives in the creative industry, a brave young woman who was not afraid to walk the streets of Johannesburg and of course she titled herself the mayor of the night or the mayor of the artist. So very refreshing to have listened to the people that lived with her, the people that really loved her, and the people whose lives and their careers were affected in different ways.”
For designer and MaXhosa founder Laduma Ngxokolo, Maria was one of the first welcoming spirits many encountered in Johannesburg’s creative circles.
“I have been in Johannesburg for ten years now and Maria McCloy was one of the spirits that welcomed us. She is one of the first people that we saw, who is an icon of the culture and we have had a journey in Newtown, downtown where we started our stores together more than ten years ago.”
“We grew together when we started coming to Johannesburg as a brand of Microsoft. We all grew together and kept on growing in other spaces of media like events and PR activations and fashion shows. So Maria has been there in a lot of moments that we have shared with the creative community in Johannesburg and today we are basically to celebrate an icon that has been very instrumental in fashion, music, and various other creative disciplines in South Africa.”
Her family remembered her as a vibrant, creative spirit whose kindness and warmth left a lasting impact.
“Her kindness, warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for those around her touched many lives and will never be forgotten. She had a special way of bringing people together and her presence brought comfort, laughter, and love to all who knew her,” the family said.
McCloy’s legacy extends far beyond her titles.
Many have hailed her as a connector of people, a curator of culture, and a fierce supporter of emerging talent. Whether behind the decks, behind a campaign, or quietly helping others rise, her impact was profound.
Saturday Star