The Supreme Court of the United States’s recent decision to strike down former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs has triggered a mix of relief and lingering anxiety across the American toy industry, reshaping how companies are thinking about pricing, supply chains and their long-term futures. For years, toy makers of all sizes endured what many…
Zenith Bank has warned the public to ignore videos circulating online that falsely link its Group Chairman, Jim Ovia, to an investment scheme known as Wealth Bridge. In a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday in Abuja, the bank said the videos were fraudulent and had no connection to the institution or…
Nigerian stars Tems and Burna Boy have become the African artistes with the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking a long-standing tie with South African rock band Seether. The milestone was achieved this week after both artists earned fresh chart appearances through collaborations on J. Cole’s new album The Fall-Off. Tems appears on…
Microsoft has pledged to invest $50bn by the end of the decade to expand access to artificial intelligence in lower-income countries, warning that uneven adoption of the technology risks deepening global inequality. The commitment was announced on Wednesday at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where technology leaders, policymakers and researchers are meeting to…
Bayer has offered to pay $7.25bn (£5.35bn) to settle thousands of lawsuits in the United States alleging that its Roundup weedkiller causes cancer, as the company seeks to bring long-running litigation to an end. The proposed settlement targets claims linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and forms part of Bayer’s broader effort to draw a line under…
In a packed courtroom in Los Angeles, Mark Zuckerberg took the witness stand this week to confront one of the most consequential questions facing the tech industry: did social media platforms knowingly design products that harm children? For the first time, the chief executive of Meta testified before a jury on claims that Instagram’s features…
Nigerian singer Simi has ignited widespread debate after calling for extreme punishment for rapists amid growing concern over sexual violence in the country. The Afrobeats star, whose full name is Simisola Kosoko, made the remarks in a post on X late Tuesday, as public outrage continued to build over a series of rape allegations reported…
ByteDance has said it will tighten controls on its artificial intelligence video generator after facing legal threats from Disney and criticism from other major entertainment groups. The response follows a surge of highly realistic videos created with the latest version of ByteDance’s AI tool, Seedance 2.0, which launched earlier this month. Clips produced using the…
Logan Paul has sold an ultra-rare Pokémon trading card for a record-breaking $16.5m (£12m), making it the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction. The sale was confirmed by auction house Goldin, which said the final price – including buyer’s premium – reached $16.492m. A Guinness World Records adjudicator later verified the sale as…
Pharmacists in Nigeria have called on the Federal Government to impose a complete ban on sachet and small-volume alcoholic beverages, warning that the products pose a serious threat to public health. The appeal was made by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, which said stronger action was needed to curb alcohol abuse, particularly among…
Billboard has drawn criticism online after describing Nigerian singer Rema as a “one-hit wonder”, a label many fans say downplays his global success. The controversy followed a post shared by Billboard on X on February 16, in which the magazine reshared an article from its June 2025 chart analysis. The post ranked Rema at number…
Chinese-made vehicles may begin appearing in U.S. showrooms sooner than many consumers expect, as automakers from the world’s largest car-producing nation increasingly signal interest in manufacturing inside the United States. Industry analysts say Chinese brands could enter the U.S. market within the next five to ten years, despite long-standing trade barriers and strained relations between…
Spotify has revealed that some of its most senior engineers have not written code in months, as artificial intelligence increasingly takes on core development work across the company. The disclosure came during Spotify’s fourth-quarter earnings call, where co-CEO Gustav Söderström highlighted how AI tools are reshaping the company’s engineering workflows. Söderström said the company’s top…
Ubisoft has confirmed the cancellation of six game projects as it continues a broader restructuring effort across its studios, shedding light on titles that had been in development for several years. The cancellations came to light following Ubisoft’s decision to halt development on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake, a long-delayed project first…
Nigerian singer Joeboy has suggested that Afrobeats is entering a new creative phase, describing the moment as a necessary reset that is steering the genre back toward authenticity and substance. The artist made the remarks during his sold-out Valentine’s Day concert in Lagos, where he paused midway through his performance to reflect on the current…
After years of speculation, Konami has officially announced Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, a release that brings Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots to PC and current-generation consoles for the first time. The collection is scheduled to launch on August 27, 2026, ending the game’s long-standing confinement to PlayStation 3 hardware….
Affordable cosmetics brand e.l.f. Beauty has spent years figuring out what many retailers still struggle to master: how to consistently capture the attention – and loyalty – of Gen Z consumers. Now, its chief executive says the company is aiming far beyond viral makeup moments. Under CEO Tarang Amin, e.l.f. has built momentum through low-priced…
Wendy’s will continue trimming its U.S. footprint through the first half of 2026, with the company confirming plans to close between 5% and 6% of its restaurants as part of an ongoing turnaround effort. The fast-food chain reiterated that the closures stem from a restructuring plan outlined late last year, which calls for shutting down…
Nigerian music heavyweights Phyno and Flavour have reunited on a new collaborative single titled Uzo Ano, marking another chapter in one of the most enduring partnerships in contemporary African music. Released under the Penthauze imprint, the song’s title translates from Igbo as “Four Roads,” a metaphor for destiny, progress, and the choices that define success….
ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, is nearing a major divestment that could reshape the global mobile gaming landscape. The tech giant is reportedly in advanced discussions to sell its gaming subsidiary Moonton to Savvy Games Group in a deal valued between $6 billion and $7 billion. If completed, the acquisition would hand Savvy control of…
A Malaysia-based artist has taken legal action against AirAsia and its parent company Capital A Berhad, accusing the airline of using his artwork on an aircraft without permission. Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian-born artist who has lived in Penang for more than a decade, alleges that one of his best-known works was reproduced as part of…
Amazon’s smart doorbell subsidiary Ring has ended a planned partnership with U.S. surveillance firm Flock Safety, following mounting criticism over privacy and surveillance concerns. The agreement, announced in October, would have enabled law enforcement agencies using Flock’s camera network to request access to video footage captured by Ring devices, provided customers gave permission. The collaboration…
Nigerian pop star Rema has made chart history after his debut album Rave & Roses became the longest-charting African project on the Billboard World Albums chart. The album has now spent 170 weeks on the chart, surpassing the previous record of 164 weeks set by Made In Lagos from fellow Nigerian superstar Wizkid. The milestone…
Sony has officially announced the titles joining its PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for February, confirming that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will lead this month’s lineup. The hit sequel from Insomniac Games headlines a selection of nine titles available to PlayStation Plus Extra subscribers, with an additional classic title offered to Premium and Deluxe members. The new…
A senior artificial intelligence safety researcher has resigned from leading AI firm Anthropic, issuing a stark warning about the direction of the world and the technology he once worked to safeguard. Mrinank Sharma, who led a team focused on AI safety at the company, announced his departure in a resignation letter posted on social media…
Pop superstar Taylor Swift has taken steps to block a US company’s attempt to trademark the phrase “Swift Home,” arguing that the branding could mislead consumers into believing she is associated with the products. In a filing lodged with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the singer’s representatives formally opposed an application by New…
South African singer Tyla has revealed the official tracklist for her upcoming album A-Pop, confirming details of the highly anticipated project following a major awards milestone. The announcement comes shortly after the 24-year-old star secured another Grammy win at the Grammy Awards, where she took home Best African Music Performance for her single “Push 2…
Kraft Heinz has abandoned plans to split its business in two, opting instead to keep its portfolio of brands under one roof as it works to revive slowing sales. The food conglomerate, whose products include Kraft Mac & Cheese, Heinz Ketchup, Oscar Mayer and Philadelphia cream cheese, had announced last year that it intended to…
In a packed Los Angeles courtroom this week, Adam Mosseri took the stand for the first time in a case that could reshape how social media companies are held accountable for the well-being of young users. The head of Instagram told jurors he does not believe people can be “clinically addicted” to the app. While…
The UK government has launched a formal investigation into the proposed £500 million acquisition of the Telegraph Media Group by Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT), citing concerns over media plurality and competition. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed that the deal has been referred for review on public interest grounds. She said the move was…
Nollywood actress Uche Ogbodo has sparked debate online after sharing her views on the causes of divorce, claiming that men are largely responsible for most failed marriages. In a post shared on her Instagram page, the actress argued that men account for “95 per cent” of marital breakdowns. According to her, many unions collapse due…
Spotify recorded a strong end to 2025, adding millions of new paying customers despite continued criticism from some artists over royalty payments. In its latest financial report released Tuesday, the Swedish streaming giant said premium subscriptions rose by 9 million in the final quarter of the year, bringing its total number of paid users to…
The UK’s advertising watchdog has prohibited a Disney promotional poster for the upcoming sci-fi film Predator: Badlands, ruling that its imagery was likely to alarm children. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the digital roadside advert breached advertising rules after receiving complaints from two parents who described the content as unsettling and inappropriate for young…
Ford Motor Company has revealed it incurred an additional $900 million in tariff-related costs last year, blaming a late adjustment to a US government relief programme for the higher-than-expected bill. The automaker said its total tariff expenses for 2025 climbed to roughly $2 billion – double what it had initially projected. Chief executive Jim Farley…
Dami Marshall, daughter of Fuji icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, widely known as KWAM1 or K1 De Ultimate, has denied speculation suggesting she is in a romantic relationship with Afrobeats star Asake. The rumours began circulating after Dami shared a photo of herself and the singer at a recent event. The image was captioned “Mr…
Apple and Google have agreed to adjust how their app stores operate in the UK following pressure from the country’s competition watchdog, which had raised concerns about their dominance in the market. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the two technology companies have committed to a series of changes aimed at improving fairness and…
A high-profile trial examining the impact of social media on young people’s mental health has opened in California, with lawyers accusing the owners of Instagram and YouTube of deliberately designing platforms that encourage compulsive use among children. The case, which began on Monday before a Los Angeles Superior Court judge and jury, centres on claims…
A major power struggle is unfolding in Hollywood as Netflix and Paramount Skydance compete for control of Warner Bros Discovery, one of the entertainment industry’s most historic studios. Paramount Skydance, led by chief executive David Ellison and backed by the billionaire Ellison family, has spent months courting Warner Bros Discovery as it looks to build…
Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, known globally as Tems, has reached another major career milestone, becoming the first African female artist to record seven entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The latest achievement follows the unexpected debut of her track What You Need, which entered this week’s Hot 100 at number 93,…
A 35-year-old man convicted of murdering his former partner has been sentenced to life in prison by a UK court, with newly released police footage drawing widespread public attention. Robert Richens was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on February 6, 2026, and will serve a minimum of 16 years before becoming eligible for parole. The…
When Sumayyah Zara Sillah lifts the lid of her takeaway box in Leicester, the smell hits first – spicy, buttery, unmistakably indulgent. Inside are Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, glistening with sauce and fried to a deep golden crunch. “I try to eat healthy,” laughs the 19-year-old nursing student, pausing only briefly before digging in. “But…
Under the blazing Singapore sun, far from the roar of passenger jets and the imposing silhouettes of military aircraft, a different kind of crowd gathers. They wait patiently, some fanning themselves, others peering ahead with anticipation, all for a chance to step inside one aircraft. The Gulfstream G700. With its smooth curves, expansive wings and…
Nigerian singer Iyanya has attributed his ability to remain relevant and grounded in the entertainment industry for nearly two decades to what he describes as consistent guidance and accountability. The music star shared his thoughts during a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, where he spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and the importance…
For years, Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter has existed in a world of its own. With tree-lined walkways, embassies, cafés and carefully manicured lawns, the neighbourhood feels noticeably removed from the rhythms of the wider Saudi capital. Today, it is also home to one of the kingdom’s most discreet – and controversial – social experiments. Hidden behind…
Nvidia made corporate history in October after briefly becoming the first company to reach a $5 trillion market valuation, a milestone driven largely by its central role in the global artificial intelligence boom. The semiconductor giant has benefited from surging demand for AI hardware, particularly its data center chips, where it now controls about 81%…
Stellantis, the global automaker behind brands such as Jeep and Chrysler, has announced a major strategic overhaul after its aggressive push into electric vehicles failed to deliver the expected returns, prompting massive financial charges and a sharp sell-off in its shares. The company said on Friday it will record more than $26 billion in charges,…
Veteran Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has weighed in on the long-running debate over Nigeria’s leading music stars, naming Burna Boy as the country’s most dominant Afrobeat artiste on the global stage. The award-winning singer shared his views during a recent appearance on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where…
The European Union has warned TikTok that it must overhaul elements of its platform design deemed “addictive” or face substantial financial penalties, following preliminary findings that the app breached the bloc’s online safety rules. The warning stems from an investigation launched by the European Commission in February 2024 into the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform’s compliance with…
Canada has announced a new plan aimed at strengthening its automotive sector and accelerating the shift to electric vehicles, as the industry struggles with the impact of US trade tariffs and an increasingly uncertain relationship with its largest export market. Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled the measures on Thursday, describing them as part of a…
A major South Korean cryptocurrency exchange has admitted to accidentally transferring more than $40bn worth of bitcoin to customers after a technical error turned a routine reward into a massive payout. The platform, Bithumb, said it intended to credit users with a modest promotional bonus of 2,000 won, equivalent to about $1.37. Instead, a system…
