The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted financial support to facilitate the proposed merger between Unity Bank Plc and Providus Bank Limited. This crucial endorsement aims to enhance the stability of Nigeria’s financial sector and mitigate potential systemic risks. In a statement released on Tuesday, Hakama Sidi Ali, the CBN’s acting Director of Corporate…
Nigerian music sensation Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, better known as Ayra Starr, recently caused a stir online after videos surfaced of her and global pop icon Rihanna at the Crop Over Festival in Barbados. The two artists have been seen growing closer since their first meeting at a Fenty Beauty event in London, where they shared…
Nigerian singer Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known by her stage name Ayra Starr, was recently seen in a concerning state in a video circulating on social media. The video shows the popular artist lying in bed, looking visibly unwell, with her sister by her side and her mother nearby. In the footage, Ayra Starr appears weak…
Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold recently shared an inspiring story of his rise from a local artist to an international star, offering a motivational message to his fans. In a viral video, Gold recounted his first trip outside Nigeria in 2015, made possible by the success of his hit single “Shade.” At the time, he was…
Popular content creator and singer Nasboi has looked back on the early criticism he faced in his career. As he marks his fourth year in the Nigerian entertainment industry, Nasboi recalled how some people predicted he would achieve nothing after his initial success mimicking Afrobeats star Davido. Contrary to those predictions, Nasboi, known for his…
American singer Solána Imani Rowe, known by her stage name SZA, has announced an indefinite break from live performances. The “Kill Bill” singer made the announcement on social media following her headlining performance at Montreal’s Osheaga Festival on August 5. In her post on X (formerly Twitter), SZA expressed the need to take a step…
Elon Musk has launched a new lawsuit against OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman, and co-founder Gregory Brockman, renewing a contentious legal dispute over the direction and management of the artificial intelligence company he helped establish in 2015. The lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in Northern California, echoes Musk’s earlier claims that OpenAI has strayed from…
CrowdStrike has responded strongly to Delta Air Lines’ CEO Ed Bastian’s allegations that the cybersecurity firm was responsible for a massive service disruption that cost the airline $500 million. In a letter addressed to Delta’s legal counsel, CrowdStrike’s legal team refuted claims of negligence and stated that Delta had ignored offers of assistance during the…
In a landmark decision, a federal judge has ruled that Google violated U.S. antitrust laws by maintaining an illegal monopoly in the search engine market. The ruling, delivered on Monday by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, marks a significant defeat for the tech giant and could dramatically alter how millions of Americans access information online….
The music world is buzzing with excitement following the announcement of Asake’s upcoming album, Lungu Boy, which features high-profile collaborations with Wizkid, Stormzy, and Travis Scott. The news, revealed alongside the tracklist for the 15-track album, has sparked widespread reactions on social media. Asake’s fans and music enthusiasts expressed surprise and anticipation upon learning about…
Afrobeats star Asake is set to excite fans around the globe with the release of his third studio album, Lungu Boy, on Friday, August 9, 2024. The album promises a vibrant mix of sounds, showcasing Asake’s versatility and talent alongside a roster of renowned international artists. The 15-track album features collaborations with some of the…
Paul Okoye, also known as Rudeboy and one half of the now-defunct musical duo P-Square, has publicly criticized All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Joe Igbokwe for his remarks on the group’s recent split. The singer confirmed that P-Square, consisting of Paul and his twin brother Peter, has separated again, just three years after their reunion…
Amazon Music has released a new documentary titled “Ayra Starr: Dare to Dream,” offering an in-depth look at the meteoric rise of the Afrobeats star. The 23-minute film, directed and produced by HOMECOMING, explores the life of Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola, as she transitions from a young girl in Cotonou to an international music sensation….
In a candid video shared on Instagram, British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran opened up about how his career in music has influenced his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships. The 33-year-old, known for his soulful hits and multiple Grammy awards, revealed, “If I wasn’t a musician, I’d be a virgin.” Sheeran’s first public relationship was with…
Intel announced a major restructuring effort on Thursday, which includes laying off 15% of its workforce as part of a $10 billion cost-reduction plan. The company, once a leader in the chipmaking industry, is attempting to realign its operations and cut expenses amid ongoing challenges. CEO Pat Gelsinger outlined the changes in a memo, citing…
Japanese stocks faced a significant downturn on Friday, with the Nikkei 225 plunging 5.8%, marking the index’s largest single-day drop since March 2020. The decline, driven by concerns over the US economy and expectations of further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan (BOJ), contributed to a global market selloff. The Nikkei’s fall extended…
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has dramatically reduced its stake in Apple, cutting it nearly in half according to the company’s second-quarter earnings report released on Saturday. The conglomerate’s holdings in Apple fell from 790 million shares to 400 million, now valued at $84.2 billion. This significant sell-off marks a departure from Buffett’s usual strategy of…
Jamaican singer Shenseea and Nigerian star Wizkid have joined forces in the visually captivating music video for their latest track, “Work Me Out.” The song, which delves into themes of physical attraction and fleeting intimacy, is the 14th track from Shenseea’s album Never Gets Late Here, released in May. In addition to Wizkid, the album…
In the 10th episode of “Mums Next Door,” entrepreneur and YouTuber Cynthia Obi-Uchendu joined Maria Chike for an engaging discussion on her experiences with motherhood. Cynthia opened up about her pregnancy journey, the significance of a strong support system, and her disciplined approach to parenting. The episode began with a series of rapid-fire questions that…
At the premiere of the biopic “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” by Bolanle Austen-Peters, fashion artist and model Tejiri Duke made a bold sartorial statement, channelling the iconic Nigerian matriarch with a contemporary twist. Duke, affectionately known as Jiri, reimagined Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s classic Iro, Buba, and Ipele attire in a modern, chic form that resonated across generations. Her…
The premiere of “The Betrayed” was more than just a film debut; it was a dazzling display of Nollywood’s fashion prowess. Held in Lagos, the event brought together the industry’s brightest stars, showcasing a blend of glamour and unique style choices. The red carpet was a spectacle, featuring standout looks such as Uche Montana’s striking…
Cardi B has expressed her displeasure with an “exclusive source” spreading details about her impending divorce from Offset, which she claims are inaccurate. On August 3, the “Bodak Yellow” rapper responded to a post by The Jasmine Brand on Instagram, which summarized a People article from the previous day. The article cited an “exclusive source”…
Connie Chiume, the internationally celebrated South African actress known for her roles in “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” has passed away at the age of 72. Chiume died on Tuesday at Garden City Hospital, her family announced in a public statement. “The Chiume Family regrets to inform you of the passing of internationally…
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has responded to Meta’s recent threat to withdraw WhatsApp services from Nigeria, characterizing it as an attempt to sway public opinion and coerce the commission into reversing its decision. The response follows the FCCPC’s imposition of a $220 million fine on Meta Platforms Inc. for unauthorized data…
In July 2024, companies under the Dangote Group experienced a significant drop in market capitalization, shedding approximately N1.21 trillion. The decline affected Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar Refinery, and NASCON Allied Industries, amid ongoing challenges faced by the Dangote Refinery. During the month, the share prices of Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar Refinery, and NASCON Allied Industries…
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, accusing them of unlawfully collecting personal data from children and failing to adhere to privacy protections outlined in the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The lawsuit, filed on Friday, claims that TikTok has allowed children under 13 to join…
The Nigeria Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC) has welcomed five new members as it gears up for the 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, 2025. In a recent statement, NOSC leader Stephanie Linus announced the addition of several distinguished figures: Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation; film producer Blessing Egbe; journalist and…
Nigerian rapper Vector Tha Viper has called on his fellow celebrities to cease endorsing bad governance. In recent years, many Nigerian public figures have become more politically active, often publicly supporting politicians. In a post on his X account, Vector criticized these celebrities for aligning with political figures at the expense of their fans and…
In a surprising revelation, comedian and skitmaker Denilson Igwe has accused his former collaborator, Mark Angel, of spreading rumours about his death. The allegations were made during Igwe’s appearance on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast. Igwe recounted that Mark Angel falsely informed people that he had died, even creating a video with…
American rapper Cardi B has confirmed that her estranged husband, Offset, is the father of her third child. The revelation comes shortly after Cardi B announced her pregnancy, just a day after filing for divorce from Offset, whom she has been married to for nearly seven years. The news raised questions about the paternity of…
Canadian music icon Celine Dion has shared her thoughts on her lasting legacy, stating that her classic hits will ensure she is remembered even if she stops singing. In a recent interview with Smooth Radio, the 56-year-old singer, who has been battling stiff-person syndrome, expressed confidence in the enduring impact of her music. Dion remarked,…
The Federal Government has dismissed rumours that WhatsApp is considering halting its services in Nigeria, calling the reports a tactic by the company to sway public opinion amidst a legal dispute. The controversy arose after the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) fined WhatsApp $220 million (over ₦300 billion) for allegedly violating data privacy…
Chevron has announced plans to move its headquarters from San Ramon, California, to Houston, Texas, marking the first time in over a century that the energy giant will not be headquartered in California. The transition is set to begin with Chevron Chairman and CEO Mike Wirth and Vice Chairman Mark Nelson relocating to Houston by…
In a recent legal move, former CNN anchor Don Lemon has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and X, accusing them of cancelling a planned talk show partnership. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in San Francisco, claims that Musk and X misled Lemon into investing substantial amounts of money for the show, only to back out…
Bolanle Austen-Peters, the director of Netflix’s House of Ga’a, has shared her passion for creating films with rich historical narratives that showcase the best of Nigeria. In a recent interview on Rubbin’ Minds, Austen-Peters explained that her work is driven by a desire to present Nigerian stories with a high standard of excellence, aiming for…
Rema’s hit single “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez is on the verge of making history as the first African song to achieve RIAA diamond certification. Originally released in 2022 as part of Rema’s debut album Raves & Roses, the track has reached a significant milestone, selling 7 million units in the United States and earning…
Award-winning artist Bien has teamed up with Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold and emerging talent ShineTTW for their latest single, “Wahala.” This energetic track is the standout feature on the deluxe edition of Bien’s new album, Alusa, Why Are You Topless, poised to become a global summer anthem. “Wahala,” a term meaning “trouble” or “drama” in…
50 Cent is expanding his entertainment empire with the launch of his own television channel, 50 Cent Action, in collaboration with Lionsgate. The new venture, announced on August 1, will be a free-to-air, ad-supported channel featuring a mix of films and TV series from Lionsgate’s extensive catalogue. The channel will showcase 50 Cent’s popular “Power”…
Kendrick Lamar’s monumental year continues as his track “Not Like Us” becomes the best-selling song in the United States for 2024. The song, widely regarded as a diss track aimed at Drake, has taken the charts by storm since its release in May. While exact sales figures remain undisclosed, Chart Data reported on August 1…
In the picturesque highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, around 150 coffee farmers on the Edelmann family farm labor under the shade of tree canopies, battling extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. Despite their efforts, this year’s harvest has been compromised by an extended dry season, leading to lower yields and rising production costs. Tomas Edelmann,…
The Japanese government has issued a directive to Toyota Motor Corporation, requiring “drastic reforms” following the discovery of new violations in the company’s vehicle certification procedures. The Ministry of Transport’s corrective order came after on-site inspections revealed intentional misconduct and irregularities in the certification processes of seven additional models that were previously undisclosed. Toyota confirmed…
A Tesla Model S was reportedly in “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) mode when it struck and killed a 28-year-old motorcyclist near Seattle in April. According to police, the 56-year-old driver was allegedly looking at his cell phone at the time of the incident and has been arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide. Tesla’s FSD software, which…
A video of Nigerian superstar Wizkid’s luxurious London mansion has captured widespread attention on social media, providing fans a rare look into his affluent lifestyle. The viral footage shows Wizkid enjoying time with his family, including his sons Zion and Boluwatife, in the spacious estate. The mansion features an expansive garden, large enough to accommodate…
Afrobeats sensation CKay has reached a remarkable achievement as his debut EP, Ckay The First, surpasses 1.5 billion streams across major platforms. Released on August 30, 2019, the EP has also sold over 1 million units globally, further establishing CKay’s international acclaim. CKay The First introduced the world to CKay’s unique fusion of Afropop and…
Paul Nonso Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy and one-half of the Nigerian music duo P-Square, has confirmed that the group has split once again. In an interview with City FM, Lagos, Rudeboy shared the news, marking the second dissolution of the duo following their initial breakup in 2016 and subsequent reunion in 2021. Rudeboy explained…
In a surprising legal twist, dancehall icon Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, has been acquitted of murder charges by the Jamaican Court of Appeal. This decision ends nearly 13 years of legal battles and has resulted in Kartel’s release from prison. Kartel, along with three co-accused, was declared free, just a day…
In a surprising turn of events, American rapper Cardi B announced that she is expecting her third child. The news comes just a day after the 31-year-old artist filed for divorce from her husband, Offset, with whom she shares a tumultuous six-year marriage. Cardi B revealed her pregnancy on Instagram, sharing a photo of her…
The Nigerian senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, achieved a milestone victory on Sunday by defeating Canada 79-70, securing their first-ever quarterfinal berth at the Olympic Games. The decisive match took place at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in France during the final Group B contest of the Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The…
Boeing has appointed Robert “Kelly” Ortberg as its new CEO, effective August 8, following a reported core operating loss of $1.4 billion in the second quarter. This loss, more than triple that of the same period last year, highlights the company’s ongoing struggles with aircraft safety and production issues, which have hindered profitability. Ortberg, former…
OpenAI has unveiled an advanced voice mode for ChatGPT, offering a more lifelike and interactive experience for users. The new feature, available initially to a select group of subscribers on the “Plus” plan, allows the AI to engage in real-time conversations, respond naturally to interruptions, and even reflect emotional cues based on a speaker’s tone….
