Michael Jackson biopic in the works, Nigerian filmmaker Funa Maduka among Sundance jurors, Yunn Sommers signs to Bayern Munich. 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. Michael Jackson biopic in the works, Antoine Faqua to direct
Michael Jackson is getting the biopic treatment. 'Bohemian Rhapsody' producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua are taking on the musician’s life in a film titled #Michael: https://t.co/RMPVUpSrTc pic.twitter.com/dnP9AygWwK
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 18, 2023
Director Antoine Fuqua has been tapped to direct the biopic of the late Michael Jackson. The new untitled film will retell the story of The King of Pop under Lionsgate according to reports, with Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) set to produce and John Logan (Skyfall) behind the script. It’s unclear what the official plot summary of the project is, but it will reportedly highlight all aspects of Jackson’s career, from his days as a childhood entertainer with the Jackson 5 to his award-winning solo career.
“For me, there is no artist with the power, the charisma, and the sheer musical genius of Michael Jackson,” Fuqua shared in a statement. “I was influenced to make music videos by watching his work—the first Black artist to play in heavy rotation on MTV. His music and those images are part of my worldview, and the chance to tell his story on the screen alongside his music was irresistible.” Production is set to begin later this year.
2. 2023 Sundance: Nigerian filmmaker Funa Maduka among festival jurors
Nigeria’s Funa Maduka named among jurors for 2023 Sundance Film Festival | TheCable Lifestyle https://t.co/fI9BjjZevA pic.twitter.com/m2pnEamvAr
— CableLifestyle (@CableLifestyle) January 18, 2023
Nigerian filmmaker Funa Maduka is one of the 16 jurors granting awards at this year’s Sundance film festival, which kicked off on January 19. She is distinguished as one of the three jury members of the World Cinema Dramatic Competition, alongside Shozo Ichiyama and Annemarie Jacir. Sixteen jurors will grant the awards for feature and short films, which will be announced on Friday, January 27.
Maduka is an award-winning filmmaker and the former head of International Original Films at Netflix, where she worked with the world’s top global and emerging filmmakers. This year’s festival will take place January 19–29 in person in Utah.
3. South Africa: Kefilwe Mabote is officially off the market
View this post on Instagram
Congratulations are in order for Kefilwe Mabote after she revealed she is now married. The socialite took to Instagram on Thursday, sharing a video of herself wearing a blanket as a shawl among cattle. “This time it is to infinity. I remember God’s teachings vividly, stumbling across Psalm 37:4 which read: ‘Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart,” she captioned the post.
Kefilwe said the traditional ceremony took place on January 3. Fans enjoyed a pre-view of her wedding preparations through some videos the socialite shared on her Instagram stories.
Congratulations to the new bride.
4. ‘Ghanaian music is a disgrace, we need to learn from Nigerians,’ Shatta Wale says
Is better we stop arguing with nigerian Fans ,promoters ,etc and ask for help
— SHATTA WALE (@shattawalegh) January 18, 2023
Me sef I need record label 🔜
Ghana music is a disgrace
Mek nobody lie you ..
Shouts to Naija 🇳🇬
Ghana ppl too deh like talk with no action 🤣
Yes I have said it …. pic.twitter.com/MVwpgdps4V
Ghanaian superstar Shatta Wale has called the Ghanaian music industry disgraceful in what is another infamous comment. Shatta Wale is one of the biggest names in Ghanaian music and has made a name for himself with his controversial statements. In his latest antic, the Dancehall act called Ghana music disgraceful while stating that they need to learn from Nigerians. According to Wale, Nigerians walk the talk while Ghanaians are all talk and have no action.
He further stated that Ghanaians need to stop arguing with Nigerian show promoters and fans and instead ask for help. His tweet won’t come as a surprise to many people, as he had previously been critical of the Ghanaian music industry. Last year, he knocked Ghanaian fans for failing to support him after they mocked him for sounding like Burna Boy in his single “Cash Out.”
5. Bayern Munich sign Yann Sommer in €8m deal
Official, confirmed. Bayern sign Yann Sommer on permanent deal, contract valid until June 2025 🔴🤝🏻 #Bayern
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2023
“It's a big club with power, we've often played against each other – I know about the enormous quality and appeal of this club. I'm proud to be part of FC Bayern now”. pic.twitter.com/SsycW7uPZQ
Bayern Munich has completed a deal to sign Yann Sommer from Borussia Monchengladbach after No.1 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer broke his leg. Bayern has been trying to sign the Switzerland international for a few weeks now, as they looked to bring in a replacement following Neuer injury while skiing. The fee will be €8 million, with up to €1.5m in add-ons, according to reports. The add-ons will be achieved if Bayern wins the Champions League, with Sommer having penned a two-year contract to play for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
Bayern was in dire need of a new goalkeeper after Neuer’s injury. Although will be 37 in 2023, the German is still a crucial part of the team, and would return for at least another season before considering retirement. Sommer, therefore, is likely to only be a temporary solution.
Bayern’s CEO, Oliver Kahn highlighted Sommer as a key signing: “Yann Sommer is a valuable addition for us because he has a wealth of international experience and has already played in the Bundesliga for many years,” Kahn said. “He has everything required to contribute immediately to our success.”
Featured image: Getty via @michaeljackson/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 2022.
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_
— Read also
