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Alicia Keys and JAY-Z perform “Empire State of Mind” at the 2024 Tony Awards, Adekunle Gold speaks on living with sickle cell, Mbappe ‘not doing well’ after nose injury. 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. Alicia Keys and JAY-Z perform “Empire State of Mind” at the 2024 Tony Awards
Alicia Keys and Jay-Z performing with the ‘HELL’S KITCHEN’ cast at the 2024 Tony Awards.
pic.twitter.com/PubBoqOd2o— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) June 17, 2024
New York came alive with a surprise performance by Alicia Keys and JAY-Z at the 2024 Tony Awards. The duo, both native New Yorkers, took the stage for a rousing rendition of their iconic hit “Empire State of Mind.” Keys, whose musical “Hell’s Kitchen“ was nominated for 13 awards that night, announced the performance with a flourish. “We at the Tony Awards tonight,” she declared while descending a grand staircase, “had to do something crazy.” The crowd erupted as JAY-Z joined her, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation.
Their performance was a highlight of the ceremony. Alicia Keys, a powerhouse vocalist, delivered the song’s soaring melodies with passion, while JAY-Z’s signature rapping added an undeniable edge. The chemistry between the longtime collaborators was palpable, transporting the audience to the heart of the city they both celebrate in the song. While initially reported as a live performance, it was later revealed that the duet was pre-recorded. This detail, though surprising to some, did not diminish the impact of their powerful performance.
2. Adekunle Gold speaks on living with sickle cell
Singer @adekunleGOLD opens up about living with sickle cell disease and how he adapted his lifestyle to stay healthy.
About 80% of sickle cell patients are in Africa. Nigeria has the largest population of people living with the condition in the world pic.twitter.com/JCVkxMg5oC
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) June 16, 2024
Nigerian music star Adekunle Gold has spoken out about his lifelong battle with sickle cell disease, aiming to raise awareness and advocate for those affected. In a recent interview with CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, Gold revealed the challenges he’s faced while living with the condition. “AG Baby,” as he’s fondly called, has battled sickle cell since childhood. He recalled being told he couldn’t participate in certain activities due to his illness, but his rebellious spirit pushed him to defy limitations. His decision to speak publicly stemmed from a desire to empower others. “I want people living with sickle cell to feel safe, to feel like they have help and support,” he said.
Adekunle Gold acknowledged the negative online reactions he received after opening up about his condition but emphasized the need for greater understanding. Gold’s advocacy extends beyond personal experience. He finds purpose in using his platform to raise awareness and fight for better access to treatment, particularly for his community. Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects people of African descent, and Gold urges the international community to prioritize research and support.
3. Victony releases ‘Stubborn’ album tracklist
Tracklist.
See you on Friday 🛡️ pic.twitter.com/NVVhNOomc8— VICTONY (@vict0ny) June 17, 2024
Nigerian rising star Victony has unveiled the tracklist for his highly anticipated debut album, “Stubborn,” set to drop this Friday, June 21. The 14-song work promises a diverse soundscape, featuring a mix of solo tracks and collaborations with some of Afrobeats’ hottest names. Fans can already get a taste of the album with the previously released singles “Everything” and the title track, “Stubborn” featuring Asake. Victony brings together a vibrant list of guest artists, including Nigerian street hop star Shallipopi, the soulful Shorae Moore, international star Saint Jhn, and American rapper Teezo Touchdown.
Adding another layer of intrigue, the tracklist artwork expresses a special thanks to legendary Nigerian rapper Olamide. This has fueled speculation about Olamide’s potential contribution to the album, whether through collaboration or influence on Victony’s sound.
4. Ariana Grande announces remix of “The Boy Is Mine” with Brandy and Monica
🚨 “the boy is mine” remix with brandy & monica drops this friday, june 21st 。˚ ♡ ☼ pre-save now: https://t.co/d45mBVsUYH pic.twitter.com/pIiO2gncME
— Ariana Grande Today ☀️ (@ArianaToday) June 17, 2024
Ariana Grande just announced a star-studded remix of her hit song “The Boy is Mine,” featuring the original queens of the duet themselves, Brandy and Monica. The news comes just days after the release of the music video for Grande’s rendition, which heavily paid homage to the 1998 classic by Brandy and Monica. Taking to social media, Grande expressed her excitement and disbelief, stating, “[I] cannot believe this is real (I don’t know if I will even long after it’s out).”
She also gushed about Brandy and Monica’s influence, calling the remix “a celebration of their impact on music” and thanking them for their generosity and kindness. The original “The Boy is Mine” spent a whopping 13 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying its place as a 90s anthem. Grande’s version, featured on her recently released album “Eternal Sunshine,” captured that playful energy while adding a modern pop twist. The “The Boy is Mine” remix drops this Friday, June 21.
5. Mbappe ‘not doing well’ after nose injury
Kylian Mbappé had to be subbed off with a nose injury for 🇫🇷 tonight 🤕 pic.twitter.com/X66v4w5Tza
— 433 (@433) June 17, 2024
French star Kylian Mbappe is in danger of missing crucial Euro 2024 matches after sustaining a potentially broken nose in their opening 1-0 win over Austria. Mbappe collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso late in the game, leaving his face bloodied and swollen. He was forced to leave the pitch and was replaced by Olivier Giroud. Following the match, France coach Didier Deschamps expressed concern over Mbappe’s condition. “He’s not doing well,” Deschamps said. “His nose got badly hit. We need to check it out but it seems quite complicated, which is really very unfortunate for us.”
While an operation appears to be unnecessary, the full extent of the injury remains unknown. The French Football Federation is awaiting further medical evaluation. Mbappe, captain of the French squad, is a vital part of their Euros campaign. He had a hand in their opening goal, though his overall performance was described as mixed. With France aiming for a record-equaling third European title, his absence would be a major blow.
Featured Image: @aliciakeys/Instagram @PopBase/X
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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A fashion and pop culture writer who watches a lot of TV in his spare time. At Style Rave, we aim to inspire our readers by providing engaging content to not just entertain but to inform and empower you as you ASPIRE to become more stylish, live smarter and be healthier. Follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ ♥