Wizkid celebrates 13 years of his “Superstar” album, Chaka Khan performs on NPR’s Tiny Desk, Alcaraz and Nadal become Olympic doubles partners. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
1. Wizkid celebrates 13 years of his ‘Superstar’ album
13 yrs since superstar ! First album! Thankful for all Gods blessings. Healthy family ! Blessed life! Love God ❤️ 🦅
— Wizkid (@wizkidayo) June 12, 2024
Nigerian megastar Wizkid, also known as Ayodeji Balogun, commemorated the 13th anniversary of his debut album, “Superstar,” on June 12. Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, the singer expressed his gratitude for the success of the album and his journey since its release. He acknowledged his blessings, including a healthy family and a prosperous life, and went on to thank God.
“Superstar,” released in 2011 under Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E), was a landmark album that introduced a fresh and vibrant style of Afropop to the world. Tracks like “Holla At Your Boy,” “Pakurumo,” “Don’t Dull,” and “Love My Baby” became instant hits, solidifying Wizkid’s place in the music industry. The album garnered him numerous accolades, including the Next Rated Award at The Headies in 2011 and Album of the Year at the 2011 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
2. Chaka Khan performs on NPR’s Tiny Desk
Chaka Khan brought her signature powerhouse vocals and electrifying stage presence to NPR’s beloved Tiny Desk series. In celebration of Black Music Month, the legendary singer delivered a near-half-hour set that had the intimate audience (and surely viewers at home) grooving along. Khan kicked off the performance with the 1974 classic “Tell Me Something Good,” setting the tone for a soulful and funky journey.
With a tight five-piece band and three vocalists backing her up, she effortlessly glided through a selection of her biggest hits. From the empowering anthem “I’m Every Woman” to the dancefloor-filler “Ain’t Nobody,” Khan’s vocals soared, showcasing her incredible range and unwavering power. The intimate setting of Tiny Desk allowed for a more personal connection with the audience. Khan’s charisma shone through as she cracked jokes and interacted with the crowd between songs.
3. Recording Academy reveals plans for global expansion in Africa and the Middle East
We’re thrilled to announce that we have reached agreements with Ministers of Cultures and stakeholders across the Middle East and Africa to collaborate on a framework to bolster the #RecordingAcademy‘s presence and services in these growing music regions. https://t.co/v6z0RmaCg4
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) June 11, 2024
The Recording Academy, the organization behind the prestigious Grammy Awards, announced plans for a major international expansion into Africa and the Middle East. This initiative aims to support and empower music creators in these rapidly growing regions. The Academy is partnering with Ministries of Culture and key stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East to achieve this goal. Their efforts will focus on several key areas: enhanced training, tailored education, and content creation.
“This is exciting because music is one of humanity’s greatest natural resources,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “With this expansion, we aim to empower the next generation of music creators across Africa and the Middle East.” The Recording Academy has already begun collaborating with organizations in Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Abu Dhabi (UAE), Rwanda, and South Africa. Memoranda of understanding have also been signed with Ghana and the Ivory Coast, signaling the Academy’s commitment to building long-term partnerships in the region.
4. Burna Boy reportedly pays hospital bills for patients
Burna Boy reportedly visits UPTH (University of Porthacourt Teaching Hospital and paid the bills of recovering patients. pic.twitter.com/a9nrVvfQn6
— S̺C̺E̺N̺E̺ H̺U̺B̺ (@thescenehub) June 11, 2024
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has sparked a wave of admiration online after reports surfaced that he had paid medical bills for patients at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Details are still emerging, but according to social media posts and news outlets, Burna Boy made a surprise visit to UPTH and generously covered the hospital expenses for patients in one of the wards. Videos circulating online show the singer leaving the hospital, surrounded by ecstatic fans and hospital employees.
While there’s been no official confirmation from Burna Boy’s team or the hospital itself, the story has captured hearts across Nigeria.
5. Alcaraz and Nadal to be Olympic doubles partners
BREAKING: Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz to play doubles together for Spain at the Paris Olympics 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/H9sclyplMS
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 12, 2024
Tennis fans around the world rejoice as Spain unveils its dream team for the upcoming Paris Olympics: the legendary Rafael Nadal and the rising star Carlos Alcaraz will join forces in the men’s doubles competition. The Spanish Tennis Federation confirmed the exciting news, sending shivers down the spines of their opponents. The duo will compete on the iconic clay courts of Roland Garros, a surface where both players have dominated. Nadal, a two-time Olympic champion, boasts a record 14 French Open titles, while Alcaraz secured his first Roland Garros victory just last week, adding to his growing collection of Grand Slam trophies.
This marks a special moment for Alcaraz, who has long idolized Nadal. The 21-year-old will now have the golden opportunity to compete alongside his childhood hero and fight for Olympic glory. The tennis competition at the Olympics gets underway on July 27.
Featured Image: @wizkiddayo/Instagram
Our Weekday News Digest summarizes five of the hottest news topics worldwide–including celebrity news from Hollywood to Nollywood, the latest trending global headlines from American reports to top African news today, and the best sports stories in 2024.
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