‘We will love each other forever’: Joe Nina’s heartfelt goodbye to Maria McCloy

News of entertainment, fashion and arts stalwart Maria McCloy has left a reverberating effect in South Africa’s culture scene. But none felt quite like 90s song star Joe Nina, who shared a heartfelt goodbye to the star.

Speaking to TimesLIVE, Nina said the news was a shock to him as the pair had recently reunited at her 50th birthday party earlier this year.

“A friend of hers called me to surprise Maria and it was so beautiful to see her. It was a beautiful evening and even Thanidswa Mazwai and Thebe were there. After that she sent two t-shirts from her designs — but I didn’t know it was a goodbye.”

Sharing his thoughts on their last moments together, Nina says Maria had left him with the words that they would be inextricably linked for a long time.

“I was telling her how proud I am of all the work she’s done and she said, ‘you know, we gonna love each other for life.’ And I agreed and said we gonna love each other for life because I really cared and appreciated her. Even though it was not in an intimate relationship, it was a big brother and little sister love.”

The pair got to work together a year into the release of his 1993 hit Ding Dong, which carried the line referencing a woman named Maria Podesta — a moniker McCloy carried in university. The original inspiration for the song was modelled after her, and Nina would continue to nickname McCloy Podesta.

Beloved DJ, publicist and fashion designer Maria McCloy has died at age 50. According to a statement released by her family, McCloy died on Tuesday night in a Johannesburg hospital after heart failure. “It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of our beloved sister and media industry giant, Maria McCloy (50),” the family wrote in a statement. “Maria sadly passed away on Tuesday evening, 12 May 2026 at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg following heart failure. “Maria — a vibrant and creative soul who embraced life wholeheartedly as a DJ, publicist and fashion designer — was loved by her family, friends, colleagues and community at large. “Her kindness, warmth, generosity and unwavering love of 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. “She leaves behind her mother and two beloved sisters, Thandiwe and Natasha, along with countless family members and friends who are devastated by this loss.” Her celebrity clientele as a publicist in recent years has included Thandiswa Mazwai, Sjava, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Somi and Nakhane. Her eponymous accessories fashion line fused Tsonga, Zulu and Ndebele beading. “During this incredibly difficult and shocking time, the family humbly asks for privacy as they grieve and come to terms with their loss and kindly asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers,” the family added. “The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love, messages of support and condolences received since the news broke.”

Considering McCloy’s talents and achievements, Nina believes it will be incredibly hard for anyone to fill the gap left by her death. His hope is that young talents will be inspired by her to champion South Africa’s entertainment industry and arts world.

“I am sending my warmest condolences to her family and I wish there was something more that I could say or do to make them feel better. We cry because she was a huge part of our lives. But we will remember her for the amazing person she was and the inspiration she was.”

TimesLIVE