Normani previews her upcoming single Candy Paint, Mercy Chinwo wins Best International Act in UK’s Premier Gospel Awards, FIFA confirm Vinicius Junior will lead special anti-racism committee. 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. Normani previews her upcoming single Candy Paint as she stars in a Bose commercial
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Normani is embarking on her next chapter with new music and partnership. On Thursday, June 15, Billboard shared its recent interview with the Atlanta native, where she detailed her latest endeavors, including a collaboration with Bose. “I’m really excited to partner with Bose,” the 27-year-old performer said over the phone. “In terms of my career and my music, I know the wait has been extensive, but it’s definitely going to be worth it, and I just feel like the partnership couldn’t have come at a better time,” she added. On Friday, the brand released a dance-themed commercial starring the “Motivation” songstress. In the ad, Normani previewed her upcoming single, Candy Paint.
Speaking on the inspiration behind Candy Paint, Normani revealed, “It’s Texas, all the way! I really wanted to create a record that allowed me to show my personality. I feel like there’s a misconception; it probably has everything to do with my social media,” she noted before adding, “I think that people think I’m so serious, which is the complete opposite. Anybody that really knows me knows that I’m really funny. I’m a goofball! I love to twerk. I’m just regular.”
2. Nigeria: Mercy Chinwo wins Best International Act in UK’s Premier Gospel Awards
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Gospel music is a thriving part of the Nigerian music industry with several superstar talents catering to the spiritual needs of millions of listeners. Mercy Chinwo is among the biggest gospel artistes in Africa and her music has traveled far beyond the continent. In celebration of her successful career, the gospel singer was recently honored at the UK Premier Gospel Awards. She received the award for the Best International Gospel Act for her achievements as a leading voice on the continent.
Celebrating the award, Mercy Chinwo posted on her Instagram page with the caption: “GOD IS GOOD. Thanks for the honor @premiergospel. To everyone of you who voted, thank you God bless you all.” Arsenal FC Nigerian-British footballer Bukayo Saka was honored for his contributions to the gospel alongside rapper Stormzy, Kanya King, and Yolanda Brown.
3. South Africa: Riky Rick posthumously releases new AI-generated single titled ‘Stronger’
On Wednesday night, Riky Rick’s family held an exclusive launch of the Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism at J’Something’s chic new restaurant, Artistry. During the launch, which was attended by the likes of Venom, Shishiliza, Ganja Beatz, and Moozlie, who was the host for the evening, the late rapper’s family announced that they would be releasing a new AI (Artificial Intelligence) generated single titled “Stronger” at midnight. The new single was produced by the newly formed Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism.
In honor of Rick’s life, the new foundation aims to bring attention to the issue of deteriorating mental health and well-being. It also aims to support the efforts of individuals and organizations that promote mental well-being. The new single was put together in collaboration with a range of partners, including TBWA/Hunt Lascaris and Sony Music Africa. In a statement, the family shared that the foundation would be guided by Rick’s rallying call to care for young people.
4. SZA and Lizzo to headline Made In America Festival 2023
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SZA and Lizzo have been tapped to headline Made In America festival’s 2023 lineup. On Wednesday, June 14, the Philadelphia-based annual event’s organizers revealed the lineup that will again take over Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Labor Day Weekend, September 2-3. The other artistes hitting the stage are Ice Spice, Metro Boomin, Lil Yachty, Coi Leray, Miguel, Tems, Doechii, and Lola Brooke. Cam’ron and Ma$e will reunite on stage and deliver a “special joint set” at MIA.
Tickets for the Jay-Z-founded festival are currently on sale via the Made In America website. Two-day general passes will run for $240, while VIP packages start at $835. You can find them here.
5. FIFA confirms Vinicius Junior will lead special anti-racism committee
FIFA president Gianni Infantino tells @ReutersSports that Vinicius Jr. will lead a new anti-racism committee:
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 15, 2023
"I asked Vinicius to lead this group of players that will present stricter punishments against racism that will later be implemented by all football authorities around… pic.twitter.com/EPcSKgy2Us
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior will head up a FIFA anti-racism committee aiming to give players more input on the issue of discrimination in football. FIFA president Gianni Infantino pledged that FIFA would push for stricter sporting penalties while also working with prosecutors in different countries to better apply criminal sanctions. Infantino added that he had asked Vinicius — the victim of 10 incidents reported to prosecutors this season — to head a group of players that will work with the governing body.
Speaking to the press, Infantino said: “There will be no more football with racism in it. The games should be stopped immediately when it happens. Enough is enough. We need to hear the players and what they need to work in a safer environment. We are very serious about it. We will implement very blunt and strong punishments to end once and for all with the problem of racism in football. We can’t tolerate racism anymore. As president of FIFA, I feel I needed to talk personally with Vinicius about it.”
The abuse received by Vinicius at several La Liga grounds in the past year has put the issue of racism front and center. With both the league and the Spanish Football Federation pledging to support the player there is some hope that some positive change may be possible. Adding the might of football’s global governing body into the equation and the support of leading players will hopefully accelerate the process further.
Featured image: @normani/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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