Israel Adesanya reclaims middleweight title, Chloe Bailey opens up about depression, Messi edges Ronaldo in new record. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest which summarizes five of the hottest global news you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
1. Israel Adesanya beats Alex Pereira to reclaim middleweight title
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Israel Adesanya reclaimed his middleweight title after beating long-term rival Alex Pereira at UFC 287. The 33-year-old managed a second-round knockout to seal the win over Pereira to take back the title that he lost last November. It was the fourth meeting between the two middleweights and their second inside the octagon. It was also the first time Adesanya claimed a victory.
In the opening stages of the fight, Pereira took an offensive approach, landing several shots that had Adesanya with his back to the cage. But a quick recovery saw the latter evade a shot before dazing the Brazilian with a right-hand punch. Soon enough, Pereira was the subject of several hits confirming the victory for Adesanya. After the knockout, the winner produced the motion of a bow toward his opponent.
2. Chloe Bailey opens up about depression
Chlöe Bailey released her long-awaited debut solo album “In Pieces” on March 31. For the Georgia-bred songstress, sharing her emotions in her music was more than just getting to express herself. It helped her fight some inner demons. Chlöe stopped by “The Tamron Hall Show” on April 7 to talk about the album and her life as a solo artist. She also spoke candidly about dealing with depression and wanting to use her platform to speak honestly about her experience. In doing so, she hopes to reach others going through the same thing and tell them they’re not alone.
“You know when you get stuck in that moment for too long and it feels a little too long being there?” the “Treat Me” singer asked the talk show host. “It didn’t have anything to do with my career or my music. It was all personal internal things, and I think when you figure things out that make you question your entire life, you look at yourself like, ‘What did I do wrong? Am I good enough?’ Things like that.” She went on to describe how creating In Pieces allowed her to work through those intrusive thoughts.
3. South Africa: Zakes Bantwini parties with Russell Simmons
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Zakes Bantwini’s international circle keeps getting bigger. The DJ and producer recently got to celebrate his Grammy win with American entrepreneur and record executive Russell Simmons in Bali, Indonesia. In early February, Bantwini, Wouter Kellerman, and Nomcebo Zikode received the Best Global Music Performance Award at the 65th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, for their song Bayethe.
“Yesterday the iconic Russell Simmons and my sister Swaady Martin came through bearing a gift of appreciation, recognition, and love; a toast, and cake to a Grammy win! We stand on the shoulders of giants!” Zakes wrote. Celebrating his achievement, Zakes reflected on his journey in the music industry and how long it took him to be recognized internationally.
4. Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ goes double diamond in France
🚨Rema gives record producer @AndreVibez_ his flowers for producing “Calm Down” after getting certified 2X Diamond in France
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) April 7, 2023
“God bless the day you played me that beat”
Andre Vibez also produced Ayra Starr’s SMASH “Rush”. 👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/t6g8qqwfK7
Nigerian superstar Rema has recorded another giant stride in France with his hit single “Calm Down.” Afrobeats songs are getting more certifications internationally as Nigerian music is getting embraced by more listeners. Rema’s “Calm Down” is leading the way in France as the global smash hit goes double diamond. The single had earlier been certified diamond by SNEP, France’s official music certification body. In a giant stride, the song has now gone double diamond as it has surpassed 500,000 in sales.
“Calm Down” has also earned certification in Switzerland, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Likewise, it has received an RIAA platinum plaque making it one of the best-selling Afrobeats songs in the US. It currently holds the record for the highest-charting African song on the Billboard Hot 100 with a peak position of NO. 8.
5. Lionel Messi edges Cristiano Ronaldo once again, Argentinian now the all-time club goal leader in Europe
A closer look at Lionel Messi's 1000 club goal contributions 🐐 pic.twitter.com/zF404L9Tjc
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 8, 2023
As Cristiano Ronaldo now plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr, Lionel Messi continues to play in one of Europe’s top five leagues like the Ligue 1, with Paris Saint Germain. This Saturday, he scored his 702nd goal in Europe when PSG faced Nice. With this goal, Messi edges Cristiano Ronaldo once again following his World Cup win in Qatar 2022.
Messi also reached 1,000 goal contributions, as on top of his 702 goals he has also given 298 assists in European football. Lionel Messi will decide his future as his contract with PSG expires in a few months. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future is still up in the air as his contract expires next summer and much has been speculated in the media.
Featured image: Julius Frazer for GQ Magazine via @stylebender/Instagram
Our Weekday News Digest brings you a summary of five of the hottest news topics across the world––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 2023.
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