Selema Masekela has spoken publicly about his past relationship with Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o, confirming their romance while explaining why he is unlikely to expose a future relationship to intense public scrutiny.
In a podcast interview shared on August 27, 2026, the South African-American television personality reflected on his experience dating one of Hollywood’s most recognisable African stars.
Masekela said he had largely avoided discussing the relationship since it ended, but acknowledged that the romance was a significant chapter in his life.
“I’ve never talked at all about that relationship. I can say that it happened,” he said during the candid conversation.
The former couple had been together for about three years before their highly publicised split in 2023.
Nyong’o announced the breakup in October 2023, describing the end of the relationship in an emotional social media post that attracted widespread attention from her fans around the world.
During the latest interview, Masekela explained that being part of a high-profile relationship came with challenges he had not fully anticipated.
He said the public nature of the romance made it difficult to control how personal matters were interpreted, discussed and circulated once the relationship became a subject of widespread attention.
“There’s just no control over what the back end of a public relationship looks like,” Masekela said.
When asked whether he would consider another highly public relationship, he expressed serious reservations and used a striking metaphor to explain his feelings.
“I don’t know if I ever want to fly that close to the sun again,” he said.
Masekela also made it clear that he intends to protect details that were once private between him and Nyong’o.
He said he had made a personal commitment not to publicly reveal information about their relationship that belonged to the two of them.
Despite the painful circumstances surrounding their separation, Masekela spoke positively about Nyong’o’s professional achievements and praised her talent.
“She’s one of the most talented artists and actors that we have,” he said, wishing her a long and successful career.
The interview renewed public interest in the former couple’s relationship, with social media users sharing different interpretations of Masekela’s carefully chosen comments.
However, he avoided discussing the specific circumstances that led to their breakup, maintaining his position that some aspects of their past should remain private.
Masekela, who is the son of the late legendary South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela, has built his own career as a television presenter, producer and commentator.
His latest remarks offer one of his clearest public reflections yet on his relationship with Nyong’o while underlining his determination to keep future romantic relationships away from the spotlight.