Rihanna present at A$AP Rocky’s gun assault trial, Tiwa Savage teases new collaboration with Craig David, Steven Gerrard leaves Al-Ettifaq after 18 months in charge. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
1. Rihanna present at A$AP Rocky’s gun assault trial
#Rihanna‘s shining bright like a diamond by her man #A$APRocky … showing her support at his #L.A. criminal trial Wednesday.
Full story in HERE: https://t.co/T2QQb6bkdz pic.twitter.com/SWvCOGAItV
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 29, 2025
Superstar singer and entrepreneur Rihanna made her first court appearance on Wednesday, January 29, to support her longtime partner, A$AP Rocky, during his ongoing gun assault trial. The multi-hyphenate artist was spotted in the Los Angeles County Superior Court in the afternoon, seated alongside Rocky’s mother, Renee Black, and his younger sister, Erika B. The trial, now in its third day, featured testimony from Rocky’s accuser and former friend, Terrell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli. Ephron has accused the Harlem rapper, born Rakim Mayers, of firing a gun at him and grazing his left hand during an altercation in November 2021. While Rihanna was not captured on camera, reports indicate that she attentively listened to Ephron’s testimony.
As the trial unfolds, tensions have heightened over conflicting narratives. Ephron maintained that the weapon used was “a real gun,” countering Rocky’s legal team’s argument that it was merely a “prop gun” used for a music video. During jury selection, the prosecution dismissed claims that Rihanna could be considered Rocky’s “common law wife,” as the couple, who share two young sons, are not legally married. At the end of the court session, Rihanna reportedly exited discreetly through a restricted area, while Rocky left through the main doors. The rapper faces a potential 24-year prison sentence after rejecting a plea deal that included 180 days in jail and probation.
2. Tiwa Savage previews new collaboration with Craig David
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Nigerian music sensation Tiwa Savage has set fans abuzz with the preview of her upcoming single, “Commitment,” featuring British R&B star Craig David. She teased the highly anticipated track on her Instagram handle on January 29, marking her first release of the year. “Commitment” follows her 2024 single “Forgiveness,” the lead track from her forthcoming album, expected to drop later in 2025. The song showcases Tiwa’s signature vocals alongside Craig David, whose timeless hits like “7 Days” and “Walking Away” remain beloved among Nigerian audiences.
This collaboration adds to Tiwa Savage’s impressive portfolio of international features, having previously worked with global superstars like Beyoncé and Brandy. Since breaking into the Nigerian mainstream over a decade ago, Tiwa has solidified her status as one of Africa’s biggest music exports. Her forthcoming album will be her fifth studio project and follows the soundtrack album for her debut film, “Water & Garri,” which featured artists like Ayra Starr and Olamide. With “Commitment,” Tiwa Savage continues to shape the Nigerian music industry and expand her legacy as an international icon.
3. Roxanne Shanté named Grammy Lifetime Achievement award recipient
Roxanne Shanté To Be The First Solo Female Rapper To Receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Other rappers who’ve received the honor include Slick Rick, Salt-N-Pepa, N.W.A and more. https://t.co/tLL5BNvQSy pic.twitter.com/Q22Bf6cHoB
— Okayplayer (@okayplayer) January 29, 2025
Legendary hip-hop pioneer Roxanne Shanté is receiving long-overdue recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Announced on Tuesday, January 28, the Queens-born rapper, 55, joins an esteemed class of honorees, including Dr. Bobby Jones, the late Prince, and Frankie Beverly. Shanté, best known for her groundbreaking 1984 hit “Roxanne’s Revenge,” becomes the first female rapper to receive this honor. The award will be presented during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 1, just one day before the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
In an appearance on “CBS Mornings” following the announcement, Shanté reflected on her trailblazing career and the struggles she faced in the male-dominated rap industry. She recounted her beginnings as a 14-year-old battle rapper and her eventual transition away from music, a journey detailed in the Netflix biopic Roxanne Roxanne. Despite her early impact on hip-hop, financial success eluded her. “I was never making money,” she told host Gayle King. “You can’t miss what you don’t have.” Now, decades later, the Recording Academy is celebrating her legacy, cementing her place in history as a pioneer who paved the way for generations of female MCs.
4. Burna Boy shows off $1.5 million luxury watches
BURNA BOY JUST CASUALLY SPENT $1.5M ON TWO RICHARD MILLE AND A PATEK PHILIPPE. FOOTBALL MONEY CANT EVER COMPETE WITH MUSIC MONEY! 😂 pic.twitter.com/pNFeEYUXiR
— benny. (@benny7gg) January 29, 2025
Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has once again demonstrated his love for opulence, splurging a jaw-dropping $1.5 million on three luxury timepieces in a single day. In a viral video making rounds on social media, the Grammy-winning artist proudly showcased his latest acquisitions—two Richard Mille watches and a Patek Philippe. A voice in the background can be heard revealing the hefty price tag, emphasizing that one of the Richard Mille pieces is factory-set with diamonds, while the other is an ultra-exclusive limited edition, being only the fourth piece produced in 2025.
Never one to shy away from flaunting his extravagant lifestyle, Burna Boy took the moment to boast about his growing collection, revealing that he now owns seven Richard Mille watches. The purchase is yet another addition to the singer’s lavish spending habits, following his acquisition of a custom diamond-adorned Rolls-Royce in 2024. Known for his global influence and extravagant taste, Burna Boy continues to solidify his status as not only a musical powerhouse but also a connoisseur of high-end luxury.
5. Steven Gerrard leaves Al-Ettifaq after 18 months in charge
🚨🏴 Steven Gerrard has left Al Ettifaq with immediate effect, mutual agreement has been reached.
He’s back in Europe from Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/mMB2vQlTrh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2025
Steven Gerrard has stepped down as manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent after 18 months at the helm. The former Liverpool and England midfielder initially signed with the club in July 2023 and later extended his contract in January 2024, committing until 2027. However, a disappointing run of results this season—just five wins in 17 league matches—has left Al-Ettifaq five points above the relegation zone. Gerrard described his time in Saudi Arabia as a valuable learning experience and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received.
Club president Samer Al Misehal acknowledged Gerrard’s impact, stating that he had transformed Al-Ettifaq despite the challenges faced this season. Under his leadership, the team secured a sixth-place finish in his debut campaign but struggled in the current season, sitting 12th in the 16-team league. With 23 wins from 59 matches in charge, Gerrard departs as one of the highest-paid managers in world football. Al-Ettifaq will now look for a new leader to steady their campaign and build on the foundation Gerrard has left behind.
Featured Image: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
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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