Denzel Washington’s “Othello” becomes top-grossing Broadway play of all time, Small Doctor and wife welcome a newborn baby in Canada, Lionel Messi’s fitness concerns grow as he receives treatment. 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.
Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics…
1. Denzel Washington’s Othello becomes the top-grossing Broadway play of all time
We love a successful Black couple! ‘Othello’ starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal breaks record for highest weekly gross for a Broadway play! Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker served as two of the play’s executive producers. ✨ pic.twitter.com/8DJ37P54lF
— MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) March 24, 2025
Denzel Washington’s highly anticipated Broadway production of Othello has shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing play in Broadway history. The Shakespearean drama, currently staged at the Barrymore Theatre, amassed an impressive $2.8 million across eight preview performances leading up to its official premiere on March 23. This achievement surpasses the previous $2.7 million set by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child during the holiday season in December 2023. According to reports, the play had already generated $2,637,158 in its first seven performances by March 2, with ticket prices averaging $338.09 and peaking at $361.90—double the cost of other top Broadway shows.
Washington, a two-time Academy Award winner, stars in a production of Othello alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. In a recent appearance on 60 Minutes, Washington discussed his strong connection to the stage, stating, “I’m a stage actor who does film; it’s not the other way around.” He noted that theater belongs to the actor, while film is a “filmmaker’s medium.” With record-breaking earnings and powerful performances, Othello is set to make a significant impact on Broadway and strengthen Washington’s legacy in both theater and film.
2. Small Doctor and his wife welcome a newborn baby in Canada
View this post on Instagram
Nigerian singer Adekunle Temitope, popularly known as Small Doctor, and his wife have welcomed a new baby in Canada. The exciting news was shared by Small Doctor’s wife on Instagram, where she posted stunning maternity photos to mark the special occasion. Dressed in a striking red gown with a matching hijab, she cradled her baby bump in the heartwarming pictures, while the singer stood beside her, affectionately holding her belly.
Alongside the photos, she expressed gratitude to God in the caption, writing, “ALHAMDULILLAH! ALHAMDULILLAH!! ALHAMDULILLAH ROBBIL AALAMIN!!! … Welcome to the world, sunshine.” Fans and well-wishers quickly flooded their social media pages with congratulatory messages, celebrating the couple’s newest addition. While Small Doctor, known for keeping his personal life private, has yet to make a public statement, the family is undoubtedly basking in the joy of their new arrival.
3. The Trump administration accidentally leaks war plans
American war planning usually takes place in highly secure facilities. But the Trump administration planned its strikes on the Houthis using a group chat—and accidentally included The Atlantic’s editor in chief, @JeffreyGoldberg. https://t.co/jvBzeJwEuy
— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) March 24, 2025
The Trump administration mistakenly disclosed military plans for airstrikes in Yemen when National Security Advisor Michael Waltz accidentally added The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, to a signal group chat. The leaked messages detailed targets, weapons, and attack sequencing against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The National Security Council confirmed the authenticity of the text chain but has yet to determine how the journalist’s number was included.
President Trump initially claimed he was unaware of the leak before later making light of the situation. The breach occurred just hours before the U.S. launched airstrikes on Yemen on March 15, raising concerns about operational security. While it remains unclear if the disclosed information was classified, such military plans are typically protected to safeguard troops. The administration is now investigating how the breach occurred.
4. Tyla + earns Tyla a new record for African female artists
Tyla makes history as the deluxe edition of her “TYLA” album surpasses 2 billion streams on Spotify, making it the fastest African album to reach this milestone 👏 pic.twitter.com/kXEoNJUbX0
— Unorthodox Reviews (@OfficialBlog_UR) March 25, 2025
South African singer Tyla has made history with her deluxe album Tyla+, becoming the first and only African female artist to surpass 2 billion streams on Spotify. This milestone solidifies her position as a global force in music, making Tyla+ the second African album ever to reach this benchmark, following Rema’s Rave & Roses. Notably, Tyla’s album achieved this record at an unprecedented pace, making it the fastest African album to hit 2 billion streams.
The album’s success is largely fueled by the viral hit single “Water,” which dominated global charts, social media trends, and radio airwaves. Alongside its streaming triumph, Tyla+ has earned multiple certifications and critical acclaim, establishing itself as the most-streamed debut album by an African female artist. With a growing international fan base and industry recognition, Tyla continues to break barriers, cementing her status as one of Africa’s most influential musical exports.
5. Lionel Messi’s fitness concerns grow as he receives treatment
Messi training individually…. #Messi𓃵 #InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/ltfKJsBCWs
— Black Herons United (@blackheronsutd) March 24, 2025
Inter Miami’s star player, Lionel Messi, remains a fitness concern ahead of their upcoming MLS clash against the Philadelphia Union. The Argentine legend has been training alone and receiving treatment as he continues to nurse a knock that has seen his workload carefully managed. Messi was notably absent from Argentina’s latest squad during the international break, raising further concerns about his availability for club duties. The Herons have been out of action since March 16, and with key players away on international duty, their return to domestic play comes with uncertainty over their talisman’s condition.
It remains unclear whether Messi will feature in Saturday’s fixture, as Inter Miami continues to monitor his fitness. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has already missed several MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup matches this season, with the club taking a cautious approach to his recovery. His presence on the field has been pivotal for Miami’s strong start to the season, making his potential absence a significant blow for the team. Fans and analysts will be watching closely for updates, as Messi’s fitness remains a crucial factor in Inter Miami’s campaign.
Featured Image: Emilio Madrid for Broadway.com
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 2025.
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_
— Read also
