Wizkid Breaks Records: Wizkid has set a new streaming record with his latest single "Kese (Dance)" on Spotify, cementing his position as one of Africa's biggest stars

Wizkid is indeed one of Africa's biggest stars, and his latest achievement is a testament to his massive success. His latest single "Kese (Dance)" has broken a new streaming record on Spotify, solidifying his position in the music industry .

 

As one of the pioneers of Afrobeats, Wizkid has been instrumental in putting African music on the global map. He has achieved numerous milestones throughout his career, including:

Most Streamed African Artist: Wizkid holds the record for the most streamed African artist on Spotify, with over 7 billion streams ¹.
Top Songs: His songs "One Dance," "Essence," and "Boom" have garnered millions of streams, showcasing his ability to produce hit after hit ¹.
Collaborations: Wizkid has collaborated with top artists like Drake, Justin Bieber, and Beyoncé, further cementing his global appeal ¹.

Wizkid's success has paved the way for other African artists to break into the international music scene. His achievements serve as inspiration to many, and his music continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

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Pharrell reacts after Drake purchased his old jewelry for $3.3m and threatened to burn them down

 

Grammy Award winning music producer and singer, Pharrell has finally made his feelings public about his colleague, Drake first buying, and then threatening to melt down his old jewelry .

 

In an interview with GG magazine published on Wednesday (November 13), the superstar producer-turned-Louis Vuitton men’s creative director was asked about the time in 2022 when he auctioned off a bunch of his jewelries.

 

“You never realize how much all the stuff you have weighs on you, but it does. You don’t know it until you get rid of it,” he said. “When you let that go, man, you feel so free.”

“[B]eyond all of the on-goings, at the heart of all of it, he’s a fan of music,” Pharrell replied. “He’s a fan of the history of what it is, and I happen to be a part of that, and those artifacts are a part of it.”

The Interviewer Welch then asked: “[W]hen he was rapping about melting the jewelry down and saying, “Come get his legacy out my house” and all that stuff, how did that strike you?”

“It didn’t,” Pharrell answered.

Welch’s question was about Drake’s verse last year on Travis Scott’s “Meltdown.”

The track renewed Drizzy’s beef with Pusha T. 

 

He raps: “I melt down the chains that I bought from yo boss/ Give a fuck about all of that heritage shit/ Since V[irgil] not around, the members done hung up the Louis/ They not even wearing that shit.”

 

Later in his verse, Drake raps: “You lucky that ‘Vogue’ was suing/ ‘Cause I would’ve been with the Wassas in Paris and shit.”

This appears to be a warning shot aimed at  Pharrell and Pyrex P, who were both in the French capital shortly before the track’s release for the former’s debut Louis Vuitton fashion show — where Pusha T took aim at Jim Jones on a new Clipse song.

 

The jewelry Drake bought, which totaled a cool $3.3 million, included a 14K three-tone N.E.R.D pendant chain, a white gold brain pendant chain and a skateboard pendant chain. He was seen wearing it in his “Jumbotron Shit Poppin” video.

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Actress Sarah Markns shades Judy Austin and Yul as she mourns Jnr Pope

 

Actress Sarah Martins has thrown shade at her former friends, Judy Austin and Yul, as she mourns late Nollywood actor John Odonwodo AKA Jnr Pope.

In a post shared on her Instagram page, Sarah said she doesn’t wish anyone a painful death, not even her ‘’debtors Judy Austin and her stolen husband,'' Yul Edochie. 

She wrote

‘“Farewell AKPA SWAG *1

It is well!!!

Your only offense was going out on that faithful day to look for daily bread ???

I don't wish this kind of painful death on anyone not even my debtors Judy Austin and her stolen husband”

 

I don't wish this kind of painful death on anyone not even my debtors Judy Austin and her stolen husband”

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Nigerian government should fight for us - Filmmaker, Mary Njoku speaks out after her 7am flight was moved to 6pm without explanation from the airline

 

Actress Mary Njoku has called on the Nigerian government to value its citizens and help fight for their rights. 

The producer said this while calling out airlines that cancel flights indiscriminately without making an effort to refund passengers their money or pacify the customers affected.

In a video she posted online on Saturday, May 4, Mary said she was supposed to fly to Accra this morning by 7am for something that involved her children. She said she got to the airport at about 5 am only for her to be told that the flight had been moved to 6pm.

She said the cancellation of flights have led to people losing businesses and others. She appealed to the Minister of Aviation to come up with policies that will put an end to the trend of flight cancellations.

 

 

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“I was introduced to hard substance in 2021. I walked from Awoyaya to Oriental hotel” - Singer Solidstar

 

Singer Joshua Iniyezo aka Solidstar has opened up about his journey into drug abuse.

While appearing on a podcast recently, Solidstar said he went through a lot while battling with drug abuse. According to him, he was introduced to a banned substance called Ice in 2021.

‘’A lot of things happened to me. Young young boys introduced me to a substance, Ice,'' he said

 

‘’This substance affected me a lot''

He stated that the drug influenced him so badly that he was beginning to see himself as ‘’a king'' and that he didn't need to pay for any item he purchased. He said one day he walked from Awoyaya in Lagos Mainland to the Oriental Hotel which is on the Island.

Recall that in September 2023, the singer's brother took to Instagram to call on Nigerians to help the singer.

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Canada's Drag Race' Season 4: Luna DuBois was axed on her birthday, but she's not done with reality TV

Luna DuBois couldn't impress the Canada's Drag Race Season 4 judges with her impression of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby during Snatch Game, which led to the Toronto queen's exit from the show in Thursday's episode.

 

What some may not know is that DuBois was actually booted from the show on her birthday.

 

"You can ask Melinda [Verga] about that," DuBois told Yahoo Canada. "She knew. Everybody knew."

 

But looking back on leaving the show in Episode 5, DuBois stressed that she's "feeling good."

 

"It's what the game is," DuBois said. "I usually do handle things like disappointment pretty well, to be honest, in general."

 

"So I've made peace of it and I had shown most of all the drag that I had taken there. I only had two things left that I had not worn yet, other than my finale gown, which I did get to wear. I showed a lot of Luna, and on top of seeing the fan reaction and seeing people upset that I was not there to give them entertainment, it seems like the future might be bright for me."

 

'I did not seem like the worst out of everyone that was in the bottom'

 

Evaluating the Snatch Game competition, in particular, DuBois was happy with how it looked when the episode aired.

 

"I'm seeing it edited out and played out, ... I did not seem like the worst out of everyone that was in the bottom," DuBois said. "[It] was not as bad as I thought it was going to be, to be honest."

 

"A lot of the Snatch Games that I'm good at, that I've used for my tapes, I just cannot do and I just had to roll with the punches, and just go with Mary M. Cosby. And you know what, I made a lot of Bravo fans very happy for bringing this woman to Drag Race. ... If I was to come back to do an All Stars, I'd make sure I find someone that I'll be able to do, that I can master, that fits all my personality, that I can make funny. Because I don't think I'm not a funny person, it was just an unfortunate circumstance."

When it comes to people still on Canada's Drag Race Season 4, DuBois shared the queen she's rooting for after her unfortunate exit.

 

"Venus, I had known of her, we had met once at a drag show very briefly and I had heard rumours that she was going to be on Season 4," DuBois explained.

 

"I wasn't sure if I was going to mesh up with her, but we were like two peas in a pod. We're so similar. She's a Libra, I'm an Aries, so automatically a perfect pairing as friends. ... We're the crazy girls of the season, we're the party girls of the season. .. Don't go out with us because you will go home tired."

 

Interestingly, DuBois actually worked in casting for Brooke Lynn Hytes' show 1 Queen 5 Queers, and Venus had auditioned for that show.

 

"I thought she was a little cuckoo, crazy, but I just put her in the no pile because I couldn't really interview people from out of province," DuBois revealed.

 

Additionally, Aurora Matrix, also from Toronto, is a friend to DuBois.

 

"We started around the same time, ... done a few gigs together, but wasn't really close with her," DuBois said. "But now, she's one of the people I talk to almost every day."

Luna DuBois on Canada's Drag Race Season 4 on Crave 'I think TV is where I'm meant to be'


While DuBois' Drag Race time has come to an end, the star is already setting her sights on more reality TV in the future.

 

"It doesn't have to be Drag Race, I would love to do more reality TV, that's something that I'm realizing that's my calling," DuBois said. "I think TV is where I'm meant to be."

 

Additionally, the Drag Race star hopes to start a podcast next year.

 

"People seem to be obsessed with my voice," DuBois said. "I think my voice was able to stand out enough on television that people want to see more of me and hear more of me."

 

In terms of possible Canada's Drag Race Season 4 podcast guests, or possible co-host, Venus, Aurora Matrix and The Girlfriend Experience come to mind for DuBois.

 

"[Venus] is a crazy girl just as much as I am, Aurora laughs at everything I say so I think just me talking to her and just her laughing at everything I said would be amazing," DuBois said.

 

"Girlfriend is also another person on the cast who's got a very soothing voice, and she always has a different perspective, and has lots of stories. Because she is young, but she's lived a lot. I think I'll probably have every single one on the cast ... that would love to come on the pod, but also not limiting it to Season 4."

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Actor Christian Keyes says he was sexually assaulted for years by a powerful man in Hollywood and threatens to release evidence (video)

 

Actor Christian Keyes has disclosed that he was sexually harassed by a powerful figure in Hollywood for years.

 

The actor, known for his roles in popular BET TV shows and movies, took to social media to share his personal experience with sexual harassment.

He detailed the traumatic encounters and expressed his determination to stand up against such behavior.

 

Though he declined to name the person, he revealed he has evidences, including recordings, and will release them in due time.

Keyes said: “This person was sexually harassing me for years.

 

“He was claiming he had multiple young Black men on payroll and they just had to show up when he requested them to be there. Clearly, that’s why he felt it was okay to say these things.”

 

He continued, “It happens. It’s just not women that have to deal with it but it’s also men sometimes. And it will be men tempting men.”

 

In the 62-minute-long video, Keyes goes on to explain that he has voice recordings from these encounters and plans to speak on even more very soon.

 

 

Many celebrities took to the comments section to offer Keyes their support.

 

Claudia Jordan said, “You shared a piece of this with me when we first met maybe 15 years ago and said one day you would come forward…...and YOU DID and Christian Keyes I am S000000 proud of you! Do NOT beat yourself up for waiting. It’s hard! Especially as a MAN. I know it’s scary, and embarrassing and uncharted territory. BUT you did it! I will stand with you on this as your friend cause…”

Though Christian Keyes did not mention any names, people are naming Tyler Perry though there is no evidence to back their speculations.

 

 

Watch the video below.

 

 

Pray for Christian Keyes! He comes forward about being sexually assaulted. pic.twitter.com/LmPRx20T3B

— Episodes (@episodesent) December 16, 2023

 

 

 

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Kizz Daniel surprises fans with dual electric singles as he ignites the airwaves

 

Renowned Nigerian artist, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe popularly known as Kizz Daniel surprises music enthusiasts worldwide with the release of two highly anticipated upbeat tempo singles titled ‘Twe Twe’ and ‘Too Busy to Be Bae’. Following the success of his critically acclaimed album ‘Maverick’, Kizz Daniel further showcases his versatility and innovative approach to music, blending traditional Nupe tribe influences with contemporary sounds.

 

The first of the dyad, ‘Twe Twe’ which is a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity is a vibrant and energetic track that draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the Nupe tribe in Nigeria. Kizz Daniel
seamlessly weaves traditional Nupe sounds into the fabric of this infectious anthem, creating a sonic experience that is both authentic and exhilarating.

 

 

Produced by a powerhouse trio of Ayzed, Killertunes, and Blaise Beats, ‘Twe Twe’ promises to be a cultural celebration that transcends boundaries. With pulsating rhythms and dynamic instrumentation, the
track is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music scene, showcasing Kizz Daniel's commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

On the flip side, Kizz Daniel's second single, ‘Too Busy to Be Bae’ delves into the modern complexities of relationships in a fast-paced world.

 

Produced by the highly acclaimed Nigerian producer, P Prime, the track explores the theme of individuals navigating their lives with the perpetual hustle, leaving little time for romantic entanglements.
‘Too Busy to Be Bae’ is an introspective and relatable take on the challenges of finding love amidst the chaos of a hectic lifestyle.

 

Kizz Daniel's signature vocals, combined with P Prime's masterful production, create a compelling narrative that will resonate with listeners across diverse demographics.
Fans and music enthusiasts are encouraged to mark their calendars for the simultaneous release of ‘Twe Twe’ and ‘Too Busy to Be Bae’ on the 12th of December, 2023.

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Tiwa Savage, Skepta, Portable & More Celebrity Looks at the 2023 British Fashion Awards

 

The 2023 Fashion Awards were held last night at London’s Royal Albert Hall, and as usual, the red carpet was a star-studded affair. Celebrities pulled out all the stops, wearing some of the most breathtaking gowns and frocks we’ve ever seen.

 

Tiwa Savage looked stunning in a short black dress with a flowing veil. The dress was simple yet elegant. Also spotted on the red carpet were Nigerian artist Portable, Nigerian-British rapper Skepta, Ghanaian-English actress Michaela Coel, South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech, and more.

 

Michaela Cole wore a white cut-out number by Georgia Medley. Letitia Wright looked radiant in a glistening silver Prada dress. Her diamond accessories set the look off perfectly. “The Woman King” star, Sheila Atim arrived in a black velvet number by Harris Reed that was breathtaking.

 

In addition to the stunning red carpet looks, there were also some awards given out during the ceremony. Edward Enninful won the prestigious “Trailblazer” award, Michaela Coel won the “Pandora Leader of Change” award, Paloma Elsesser took home the “Model of the Year” award, Sam Smith won the “Entertainment” ward, Bianca Saunders won the “New Establishment Menswear Designer” award, and Martine Rose was honoured with the “British Menswear Designer” award.

 

Keep scrolling to see more looks from the 2023 British Fashion Awards red carpet.

 

The 2023 Fashion Awards were held last night at London’s Royal Albert Hall, and as usual, the red carpet was a star-studded affair. Celebrities pulled out all the stops, wearing some of the most breathtaking gowns and frocks we’ve ever seen. Tiwa Savage looked stunning in a short black dress with a flowing veil. 

 

The dress was simple yet elegant. Also spotted on the red carpet were Nigerian artist Portable, Nigerian-British rapper Skepta, Ghanaian-English actress Michaela Coel, South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech, and more. Michaela Cole wore a white cut-out number by Georgia Medley. Letitia Wright looked radiant in a glistening silver Prada dress. Her diamond accessories set the look off perfectly. “The Woman King” star, Sheila Atim arrived in a black velvet number by Harris Reed that was breathtaking. In addition to the stunning red carpet looks, there were also some awards given out during the ceremony. Edward Enninful won the prestigious “Trailblazer” award, Michaela Coel won the “Pandora Leader of Change” award, Paloma Elsesser took home the “Model of the Year” award, Sam Smith won the “Entertainment” ward, Bianca Saunders won the “New Establishment Menswear Designer” award, and Martine Rose was honoured with the “British Menswear Designer” award. 

 

 Keep scrolling to see more looks from the 2023 British Fashion Awards red carpet. The 2023 Fashion Awards were held last night at London’s Royal Albert Hall, and as usual, the red carpet was a star-studded affair. Celebrities pulled out all the stops, wearing some of the most breathtaking gowns and frocks we’ve ever seen. Tiwa Savage looked stunning in a short black dress with a flowing veil. The dress was simple yet elegant. Also spotted on the red carpet were Nigerian artist Portable, Nigerian-British rapper Skepta, Ghanaian-English actress Michaela Coel, South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech, and more. Michaela Cole wore a white cut-out number by Georgia Medley. Letitia Wright looked radiant in a glistening silver Prada dress. Her diamond accessories set the look off perfectly. “The Woman King” star, Sheila Atim arrived in a black velvet number by Harris Reed that was breathtaking. In addition to the stunning red carpet looks, there were also some awards given out during the ceremony. Edward Enninful won the prestigious “Trailblazer” award, Michaela Coel won the “Pandora Leader of Change” award, Paloma Elsesser took home the “Model of the Year” award, Sam Smith won the “Entertainment” ward, Bianca Saunders won the “New Establishment Menswear Designer” award, and Martine Rose was honoured with the “British Menswear Designer” award. Keep scrolling to see more looks from the 2023 British Fashion Awards red carpet.

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A post shared by British Vogue (@britishvogue)

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Mr Eazi Talks About His Upbringing, Musical Journey, and Gratitude for His Wife’s Love on “Afrobeats Intelligence”

Singer, songwriter, and music executive Mr Eazi is the latest star to sit with music journalist Joey Akan for an interview on his podcast show, “Afrobeats Intelligence.”

 

In this second episode of the show’s second season, Mr Eazi gets into the details of what his style of music is about, when he realises the difference in class levels between the people in his environment, luxury as a key component of his brand, what fuels his desire to work hard, his first sense of freedom, and his journey so far.

 

Mr Eazi talks about cracking the African music business, trying to hide from the limelight for a while, his new album, courting controversy, emPawa Africa, his wife Temi Otedola, the mentorship of his father-in-law, and lots more.

 

Watch:

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When I was kidnapped eight years ago, most of my colleagues and friends alleged that I kidnapped myself to raise money - Actor Prince Eke

 

Actor Prince Eke has recounted how people close to him alleged that he lied about being kidnapped years old, to get money from Nigerians.

 

In a post shared on his Instagram page, Prince Eke said today December 5, makes it eight years since he was abducted along the Ubima road in Rivers state. 

He said upon his abduction, his friends and colleagues accused him of feigning the act in order to raise money for himself.

‘’Today marks exactly 8 years I was kidnapped in Nigeria.

Along Ubima road in rivers state .

I experienced hell on earth . But the greatest experience was that, most of my colleagues and friends alleged that I kidnapped myself to raise money.

Pray for life , because if you eventually die . People that you thought were close to you will say so many unprintable things about you. Thank God for the gift of life and grace !''

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Billie Eilish and Finneas Wowed by Bernie Taupin’s Tribute at Variety’s Hitmakers: ‘You’re the F—ing Man, Dawg!’

 

Billie Eilish and her brother and collaborator Finneas O’Connell have received Grammys, an Oscar and just about every award and honor and tribute and kudo young recording artists can imagine in the six years since her debut EP in 2017, but even they can still be awed by a tribute from a respected influence. That happened at Variety’s Hitmakers celebration in Los Angeles on Saturday, when Elton John’s lyricist of 56 years, Bernie Taupin — who has written the lyrics for everything from “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” to “Bennie and the Jets” and “Candle in the Wind” — paid tribute to their songwriting partnership when rewarding them with the Film Song of the Year honor for “What Was I Made For?,” their song from the summer blockbuster film “Barbie.”

 

Before an audience that included Boygenius, Joan Baez, Olivia Rodrigo, Victoria Monet and many others (SZA hadn’t arrived yet), the following exchange took place: Taupin’s tribute and Eilish’s response (Finneas just said “Thanks guys!”) follows in full.

TAUPIN:

A lot of great people can write a lot of great songs with a lot of outside help. But not many find their one true songwriting partner that can cut through the noise and drive straight to the heart with a simple idea of melody and lyrics that can lift the world and touch us or in a way only a really great song and songwriter can. Much like I’ve been blessed with my songwriting partner of the last 56 years, and others that come to mind:

 

Everyone from George and Ira Gershwin to [Burt] Bacharach and [Hal] David to [Motown legends] Holland-Dozier-Holland and [Gerry] Goffin and [Carole] King.

 

These two, Billie and Finneas, have each other and have that gift of songwriting,

 

though songwriting teams are a dying breed. And these two thankfully have resurrected that. There’s no outside tinkering from a single soul besides them, what they have done equipped with an idea, a pen and paper, and a piano. What they’ve managed to achieve already in their young lives is nothing short of astounding.

 

And I’m really, really delighted that you’re awarding them best song for a film today.

 

“What Was I Made For” has been described by [filmmaker] Greta Gerwig as “Barbie’s heart,” when Margot Robbie’s brilliant portrayal of Barbie is confronted with her own existential crisis. The overwhelming empathy that is evoked from the viewer is undeniable. Her pain is felt in an extraordinary way, thanks to this delicate, heartfelt and understated song. And I might add that understated is a key word for songwriters.  

 

Like all great songwriters, they have tapped right into the psyche, into the heart, and made us feel something and understand things about ourselves and others that we might not have had before. A brilliant song and songwriter will do that. They can unpack a bag of complicated emotions and make them easier for us to process and understand. And that is why they are unique, and why this song and their catalogue will last for generations. So on behalf of Elton and myself, Billie, Finneas, it is a great pleasure to be awarding you with this hitmaker award today please come and accept it.

 

[They come to the stage and accept the award]

 

EILISH: Hi guys! Bernie, man, that’s too much to say, thank you so much. You know, this is a hitmakers event, or whatever that means. And I feel like you are the fucking hitmaker, dawg! You’re the guy, you’re the fucking guy.

 

This is so cool. You know, I walked in here today, and I just saw all your faces and so many people that I’m such a fan of, and have been since I was a little kid. And it’s so cool to be in a room with all of you. And I think no matter how many events I go to where you’re all here, I always very feel very lucky and feel very grateful to see everybody. So I wanted to give you a little round of applause because you guys rock. [Applause]

 

This is Finneas, my brother [laughter]. I want to thank Greta Gerwig for being such a fucking pro and being the most talented bitch in the world. And I just feel very lucky that we were even thought of to make this song, and I thank God that it happened at all, because I feel like it really saved us from like a creative meltdown. I think that when we were asked to make this song, it was like just what we needed in our writer’s block or whatever.

 

I wanna thank Greta, [coproducer] Noah Baumbach, [music producers] Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, my team, my label Darkroom, Mattel, Warner Bros., Margot Robbie for being such a star, Ryan Gosling for being also such a star… and, I don’t know, I didn’t write any [remarks], really, there’s some words here [in front of her], but I just feel very fucking lucky. I feel really lucky and you guys are cool. This is really cool. So… [to Finneas] do you wanna talk?

 

FINNEAS:

Thanks, guys!

 

 

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Lil Wayne sued by former bodyguard who claims the rapper 'punched him' in the ear and 'threatened' to shoot him in 2021

 

Lil Wayne is being sued by his former bodyguard who claims the American rapper 'punched' him and 'threatened him with a gun'.

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Carlos Christian alleges that Wayne, 41, brandished a semiautomatic rifle and 'threatened to shoot him' during an altercation in December 2021.

The guard also claims the hitmaker, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., 'punched him in the ear' during the incident, which took place at Wayne's Hidden Hills, CA home.

Christian called the cops at the time and accused Wayne of threatening him with an AR-15, but sources close to the musician denied the incident took place and claimed Wayne didn't even own a gun.  

The guard reportedly took the gun threat seriously, as Wayne previously spent time in prison for weapons charges.

Christian claims he has incurred medical expenses, lost wages, and suffered emotional distress due to the alleged altercation and is looking for compensatory and punitive damages.

At the time of the alleged incident deputies responded to a call about an assault with a deadly weapon at a Hidden Hills, California home on at around 1.40pm.

When they arrived, deputies told DailyMail a Hispanic male adult working as a security guard said he had a verbal altercation that turned physical with the black male resident.

A dispute ensued when Wayne accused the guard of taking photos of him and leaking them to the media, TMZ reported at the time.

 

The guard claims Wayne told him to leave the house during the dispute, but the guard went to the bathroom first, and Wayne pulled out an AR-15. At that point, the guard claims, he fled the house to the gated community's guard shack and called the police.

But when the police went to speak to the rapper, he was no longer at his $15.4 million home he bought in April.

At the time sources told TMZ Wayne strongly denied the accusation and said he does not own a gun.

According to the publication, sheriff's deputies had doubts about the guard's story, as they noted he did not have marks on his body or injuries from the alleged altercation, and told police he did not want to press charges against the rapper.

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Former 'Empire' actor, Jussie Smollett loses appeal over Hoax case conviction

 

An Illinois appeals court has upheld the conviction of former “Empire” star Jussie Smollett for orchestrating a hate crime against himself nearly five years ago.

 

Smollett was convicted in December 2021 on five felony charges of disorderly conduct and was later sentenced to 150 days in the Cook County jail.

Smollett had told Chicago police that he was assaulted by two men who uttered homophobic and racist slurs, put a rope around his neck, and said he was in “MAGA country” — ignited a media frenzy as investigators concluded that Smollett had paid the men to carry out the attack.

Despite the jury’s verdict, Smollett, who was dropped from the final season of “Empire.” has maintained his innocence.

 

On a 2-1 vote, the First District Appellate Court rejected his appeal on Friday.

 

Justice David R. Navarro wrote that Smollett’s lawyers had challenged “virtually every aspect” of his case, including the appointment of a special prosecutor, the jury selection process, and the sentence, which they argued was excessive given the non-violent nature of the offence.

Smollett’s lawyers also argued, among other things, that the trial judge had prejudiced the jury by saying “So what?” to a question posed during the defence cross-examination of a police detective, and that Smollett’s right to a public trial was hampered by COVID-19 restrictions that limited the courtroom’s capacity.

 

The two-justice majority rejected each of those arguments in turn, finding that the trial judge did not abuse his discretion and that any mistakes were appropriately corrected and did not impede Smollett’s ability to get a fair trial.

“For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the judgment of the circuit court of Cook County,” the justices wrote.

Justice Freddrenna Lyle dissented, arguing that the state should not have been allowed to re-prosecute Smollett after the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office initially dropped the charges.

That decision led to intense public backlash. A judge ultimately concluded that the state’s attorney had not properly recused herself, and appointed Dan Webb to reexamine the case and bring charges if warranted.

Lyle argued that the state should have been bound by the initial outcome and that by reversing itself the state had backed out of a deal with Smollett’s defense.

 

“Public policy considerations and reverence for our justice system disfavour reneging on such agreements and should never be outweighed by a cacophony of criticism as to the terms of the agreement,” Lyle wrote.

Smollett’s representatives said in a statement that he would appeal to the state Supreme Court.

“We wish to highlight that the decision was divided, with Justice Lyle offering a detailed analysis in favour of Smollett,” they said. “We are preparing to escalate this matter to the Illinois Supreme Court, armed with a substantial body of evidence.”

Webb, the special prosecutor, issued a statement calling the appellate opinion “a resounding victory for justice.”

 

“We are proud to have prevailed in a case that, we believe, can help restore the public’s confidence in the Cook County justice system,” Webb said. “We hope this decision will reassure the community that our legal system is fair, just, and impartial.”

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U.S state of Georgia General Assembly honours Davido as ''Outstanding Georgia Citizen'' (video)

 

Nigerian singer, Davido, was today December 1, honoured as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen, at the Georgia General Assembly.

 

Davido shared a video of the lawmakers giving him a standing ovation when it was announced that he was present.

‘’This morning I attended the U.S. State of Georgia General Assembly meeting with the Georgia House of Representatives and Georgia state senate to be recognized as an ‘Outstanding Georgia Citizen’ … God is good.''

 

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Actress Keke Palmer requests to move restraining order hearing with ex Darius Jackson so pair can resolve custody issues 'privately'

 

American actress, Keke Palmer has reportedly asked to move her restraining order hearing so she and ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson can resolve their custody issues privately after she accused him of physical and emotional abuse.

 

 

According to court documents filed on Thursday in Los Angeles, Palmer, 30, and Jackson, 29, began discussions the day prior and have agreed to continue at a mutually agreeable date' that has not yet been determined.  The pair share a son Leodis, who is nine months.

 

The pair were due to meet in court over the domestic violence restraining order on December 5 - but now want the hearing postponed until they 'resolve their issues in mediation' per Page Six.

 

 

The court documents state the parties 'agree that all orders contained in the Temporary Restraining Order issued on November 9, 2023, shall remain in full force and effect until the hearing' - with a new court date yet to be determined.

 

Palmer was recently granted a restraining order against Jackson and sole custody of their son.

 

 

She alleged in civil court documents that she suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Darius. He has denied the allegations.

 

 

 

This comes after Palmer's mother, Sharon, alleged she 'feared' for her daughter's life while she was dating Jackson.

 

While speaking about a phone call, obtained by TMZ, in which Sharon threatens to 'put a bullet' in Jackson's head, the 56-year-old high school teacher explained to Radar Online that her comment was made out of concern for Keke, 30.

 

 

'You will hear him being told to leave several times,' Sharon told the outlet. 'The point where I am cussing came in after 2 mins of him refusing to leave.' 

 

 

Sharon also accused Jackson of 'illegally' recording their call, which requires consent in the state of California.

 

The Nope star's mom proceeded to state that Jackson 'does not care about the law' and that 'most abuser[s] don't care about the law.'

Sharon went on to allege that Jackson 'would not leave' Keke's home and 'was not invited in.'

 

 

'I feared for her life,' Sharon insisted. 

 

 

In text messages, obtained by TMZ, between Sharon and Jackson's mother, Yhinyer Hubbard Jackson, who is originally from Panama, texted Sharon: 'I have tried not to get involved in my son's personal business, but I heard that you are going to put a bullet in my son's head???'

 

 

'Well, then, now, we have to involve the authorities because you don't respect or value yourself... I will file a police report on you now,' Yhinyer continued. 

Sharon allegedly wrote back: 'Please do not contact me with this ridiculous childish behaviour. Your son choked his own sister, deal with his anger issues. If he attacks my daughter in her own [home] where she pays the bills, he is trespassing and anything can happen so he should stay away.' 

 

 

'You should be very ashamed to have raised a man who fights women,' she concluded. 

 

 

Last month, the outlet also reported that Jackson claimed Sharon threatened to 'put a bullet in his head' during an altercation with her over speakerphone.

 

 

TMZ reports Sharon's threat was made after the couple got into an argument over custody of Leo on November 5, an incident which was detailed in Keke's restraining order filing.

 

 

Darius went to pick up his son Leo to watch football last month after informing Keke via text message of his plans, but was upset to find their son was not at her home when he arrived.

 

This led to an argument between Keke and Darius, and eventually, Sharon was brought into the dispute after Keke called her up.

 

Sharon was placed on speakerphone and allegedly began screaming and saying expletives to Darius. She also allegedly informed Darius she would put a bullet in his head, which escalated the altercation.

 

 

Darius then allegedly tried to grab Keke's phone from her. Insiders claim this particular tussle was captured in images submitted last week as part of Keke's restraining order. The images show them in the midst of a struggle on a couch.

 

 

The restraining order also included photos of a separate altercation from February 2022. 

 

 

Insiders say Darius completely denies abusing the actress, and the sources claim police were sent to the home but did not find any probable cause to arrest him for domestic violence.

 

 

He is standing by his account and has denied the abuse allegations, according to TMZ. 

 

 

The exes will meet again in court at a hearing scheduled for December 5.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigerian Police, Anti-Graft Agency, ICPC Clear Popular Singer, D’banj Of N-Power Fraud, Rape Allegations

 The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Police Force have exonerated Nigerian singer, Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, of rape and N-power fraud allegations.

 

This was contained in documents obtained by PUNCH from the two agencies involved, stating that the singer was cleared of the charges after thorough investigations were carried out by the agencies.   

 

In an affidavit deposed by Toheeb Lawal of Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, before the District Court of Abuja, wherein the reports of the Nigeria Police Force Investigation and clearance from the ICPC were marked exhibits A and B, the legal practitioner averred that the police and the ICPC cleared the singer of rape and fraud allegations.

 

In 2020, the singer was accused of rape, and the Inspector General of Police ordered an investigation into the allegation.

 

In a report dated November 14, 2023, with case number CR:3000/X/FHQ/ABJ/SEB/T.1/VOL 18/284 and signed by ACP YY Abubakar of the Special Enquiry Bureau at the Force Criminal Investigations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the police said the matter was investigated but there was no evidence to substantiate the claim.

 

“The allegation was investigated,” the police report read in part.

 

It continued, “The complainant, witnesses, and suspects made their statement. The investigation was extended to the Glee Hotel Lagos, where the staff on duty on the date of the alleged incident made their statement.

 

“The management and staff of the Glee Hotel averred that the first suspect was not seen in the hotel on the date of the alleged incident, nor was he given a spare key to gain access to any room in the hotel where the complainant lodged, and they have only one key to each room, which completely debunked the allegation of the complainant.

 

“The management of the hotel also held that it had no record to show that the complainant checked into the hotel as a guest on the alleged date, and she did not, at any time, raise an alarm, complain, or report any indecent assault or rape.

 

“There is no medical report on the victim to ascertain that she was raped. There are no adduced facts or corroborative evidence to substantiate the allegation of rape against the suspect. Prima facie offences of indecent assault, rape, and intimidation are not made out.

 

“However, the complainant, through her counsel, Ojoge, Omileye & Partners, submitted a later, dated July 17, 2020, to the DIG Force CID, to voluntarily withdraw the petition and discontinue the investigation.”

 

Also, in 2022, SaharaReporters had reported how D'banj was arrested and detained by anti-graft agency, the ICPC over fraud allegations.

 

The musician was arrested and detained after ICPC operatives closed in on him, forcing him to surrender himself at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, sources familiar privy with the issue had revealed.

 

However, after its investigation, the ICPC revealed that D’banj was not guilty of any fraud allegation.

 

In response to an inquiry, the commission cleared D’banj of any infraction on the matter.

 

The clarification was dated November 29, 2023, with document number ICPC/OPS/SDD/SPT.LG/31/23.

 

“The commission investigated issues of fraud in the administration of the N-POWER Scheme, where Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo’s name came up. However, there was no prima facie case of fraud against him.

 

“Kindly be advised that Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo is not under investigation with the Commission for any fraud-related offence,” the ICPC clearance partly read.

 

D’banj’s lawyer, in his deposition filed before the Chief District Court of the Federal Capital Territory at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, also averred that the singer was never a government official and never had any access to government funds and that the N-power campaign he supported was free and was never paid a penny by anyone or the government.

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Singer Kizz Daniel gifts himself a Rolls-Royce Cullinan as he marks a decade on stage

 

Nigerian singer, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, better known as Kizz Daniel, is celebrating his tenth year as an entertainer. In a post shared on his IG page this evening, November 30, the father of a set of twin boys disclosed that he just bought a Rolls-Royce Cullinan to celebrate the milestone.

Watch a video of the wonder on wheel below

Nigerian singer, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, better known as Kizz Daniel, is celebrating his tenth year as an entertainer. In a post shared on his IG page this evening, November 30, the father of a set of twin boys disclosed that he just bought a Rolls-Royce Cullinan to celebrate the milestone. Singer Kizz Daniel gifts himself a Rolls-Royce Cullinan as he marks a decade on stage Watch a video of the wonder on wheel below

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Chris Brown Denies Being Antisemitic After Dancing To Controversial Kanye West Song

 The singer fired back at critics who condemned him for seemingly finding humor in Ye's tune, "Vultures."

 

Chris Brown is shutting down accusations that he is antisemitic after a video of him laughing and dancing to Kanye West’s new song, “Vultures,” hit the internet. 

 

In the clip, the “Go Crazy” singer was spotted hanging out with Kanye West, who formerly changed his name to Ye, at a nightclub in Dubai. Brown is seen bopping his head to the beat as he stands close to the Yeezy founder, who sings along to his own lyrics. 

 

In the controversial tune, Ye raps, “How I’m antisemitic? I just fucked a Jewish bitch.”

After social media users accused Brown of being prejudiced towards Jewish people, the entertainer hit back at his critics on his Instagram stories. 

 

“Let me make this perfectly clear before y’all try to use me as a pawn,” Brown reportedly wrote.

Chris Brown and Kanye "Ye" West have teamed up for multiple songs in the past such as "Waves" and "Down."

Getty Images

 

The dancer went on to try and mitigate the bigotry claims by clarifying that he is not Muslim or Jewish. 

 

“Ima Piru, I aint Muslim or Jewish so don’t start no shit wont be no shit!!! Im trying to be peaceful but please do not wake up the demon in me. Go on about your fucking day,” he continued. 

 

He later reportedly removed any reference to his association with Piru, a subset of the Bloods gang alliance, after revising his message. 

 

“IN NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM AM I ANTISEMETIC!!!” Brown, 34, wrote, according to screenshots obtained by XXL. “IM PRO LIFE AND I MAKE MUSIC FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD!!!!!!” 

 

The Grammy-winning artist added: “So please do not get tricked into thinking I spread hate or am kool with it! This [is] for the millions of young kids that look up to [me] and [might] be confused.”

 

Last year, Ye, 46, was slammed for making antisemitic statements, including praising Hitler while appearing on “The Alex Jones Show,” posting an image of a Nazi swastika inside of a Star of David on X (formerly Twitter) and claiming he would go “defcon three on Jewish people” during a social media rant.

 

Brown has been tied to several controversies in recent years after he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna, in 2009. Last month, he was sued for allegedly beating up a man at a London nightclub earlier this year.

 

Reps for Brown and Ye didn’t immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment. 

 

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