South Africa’s creative community is mourning the loss of Maria McCloy, the respected publicist, DJ, fashion creative, and cultural connector who helped shape Johannesburg’s music and nightlife scene for decades.
Since news of her passing broke, artists, writers, musicians, and creatives have shared heartfelt tributes remembering McCloy not only for her work, but for the way she supported people and championed culture behind the scenes.
Writer Atiyyah Khan wrote: “There should be a street in Joburg named after Maria McCloy. The thing is, this cultural work we do, is often thankless and the impact of it often unknown but no one did more for the promotion of Johannesburg than Maria. She was an absolutely fierce and prolific PR head and deep lover of culture and music. None of these things words can capture.”
Kwaito group TkZee shared: “You wrote the very first article published about us. Thank you for being a day 1 believer and a foundation stone that shaped the ‘New South Africa’s’ youth culture. Rest now Maria McCloy. Your race is run.”
At 10and5, we agree with these sentiments wholeheartedly. Maria McCloy most definitely impacted lives and the industry. Her work, energy, and presence helped shape creative culture in Johannesburg and beyond. Through music, fashion, media, and nightlife, she created connections and opportunities that many people will carry with them forever.
Maria McCloy passed away on 12 May 2026 at the precious age of 50.
Her impact on South African culture and the people within it will not be forgotten.
#MariaMcloy
