Roberta Flack is dead at 88, Aya Nakamura becomes first female African artist to hit 1 billion YouTube views, Mohammed Salah hits new record. 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. Roberta Flack is dead at 88
Legendary pop/R&B vocalist Roberta Flack, who was launched to stardom in the early ’70s by the Grammy-winning hits “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” has died. She was 88. https://t.co/WfpVHIjz6y pic.twitter.com/Q6dmM6z8Xg
— Variety (@Variety) February 24, 2025
Roberta Flack, the legendary singer and pianist whose soulful voice captivated audiences for decades, has passed away at the age of 88. She died at her home in New York on February 24, following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a condition she publicly revealed in 2022. Her death was confirmed by her publicist, Elaine Schock. Flack, best known for timeless hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” leaves behind an enduring musical legacy that shaped the landscape of soul, R&B, and jazz.
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, in 1937, Flack was a musical prodigy who earned a scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old. Originally pursuing classical piano, she transitioned to vocal performance, eventually rising to fame when Clint Eastwood featured “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.” The song became a chart-topping sensation, earning her a Grammy for Record of the Year. She made history by winning the same award again in 1973 for “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” Beyond her music, Flack was a passionate advocate for arts education, founding the Roberta Flack School of Music to support young musicians. She is survived by her family, friends, and a global fanbase who will continue to cherish her contributions to music and culture.
2. Aya Nakamura becomes first female African artist to hit 1 billion YouTube views
Aya Nakamura becomes the first female African artist to have a music video reach 1 billion views on YouTube. pic.twitter.com/oYr1VEGLKu
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 23, 2025
French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura has made history as the first female African artist to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube with her hit song “Djadja.” The milestone cements her status as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Afropop, as the song continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Originally released in 2018, “Djadja” became an international sensation, topping charts across Europe and Africa while resonating with fans through its infectious rhythm and empowering lyrics.
Nakamura’s record-breaking achievement highlights the increasing global impact of African artists, particularly women, in the music industry. Her success is a testament to the genre’s ability to transcend borders, uniting listeners from diverse cultures through music. Industry experts and fans alike have praised her accomplishment, celebrating the influence of African artistry on the international stage. With this milestone, Aya Nakamura paves the way for future generations of African female artists to reach new heights in the digital era.
3. Tyla teams up with BLACKPINK’s Lisa on debut solo album “Alter Ego”
Tyla, Megan Thee Stallion & Future have all been added as features on LISA’s upcoming album Alter Ego ❤️🔥
Full Alter Ego track list:
• born again ft. doja cat and raye
• rockstar
• elastigirl
• thunder
• new woman ft. rosalía
• FXCK UP THE WORLD ft. future
• rapunzel… pic.twitter.com/AJMuTR03Iv— MTV UK (@MTVUK) February 22, 2025
South African music sensation Tyla is set to feature on BLACKPINK member Lisa’s highly anticipated debut solo album, “Alter Ego.” The collaboration has sparked excitement among fans worldwide, blending Lisa’s signature K-pop style with Tyla’s infectious Afrobeats influence. This partnership highlights the increasing global recognition of African artists and underscores Tyla’s rapid rise in the music industry.
The announcement has sent social media into a frenzy, with fans eagerly anticipating the fusion of their distinct sounds. Lisa’s “Alter Ego,” marking her first full-length solo project since BLACKPINK parted ways with YG Entertainment, is set to drop on Friday, February 28. The album is expected to showcase a fresh artistic direction for Lisa, with Tyla’s involvement adding a unique dimension to the project.
4. Kamala Harris honored with Chairman’s Prize at NAACP Image Awards
This evening, I was honored to accept the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award.
I grew up inspired by the work of the NAACP — by all those who took up the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity. Their example is part of the reason I chose a life of public service.
At this moment,… pic.twitter.com/lmRFCLUQTq
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 23, 2025
Kamala Harris was recognized at the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, February 22, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles, receiving the prestigious Chairman’s Prize. The award honors individuals who excel in public service and use their platforms to drive meaningful change. As the audience cheered, the former vice president took the stage to deliver a powerful speech, calling on Black Americans to continue the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity. “The American story will be written by you. Written by us. By we the people,” Harris declared, emphasizing the power of collective action in shaping the nation’s future.
In her remarks, Harris did not shy away from addressing the state of the country, marking the first full month of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, she urged resilience and activism, stating, “We use our power. We organize, mobilize. We educate. We advocate.” While Harris has largely refrained from discussing her election loss, Trump has frequently referenced both her and former President Joe Biden, often mocking their administration’s record. At the recent Conservative Political Action Conference, Trump took further jabs at his predecessors, using expletives to underscore his criticism. However, Harris’ speech at the NAACP Image Awards reinforced a different message—one of perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
5. Mohamed Salah makes new record
40 – Mohamed Salah is the first player in Premier League history to be involved in 40+ goals in two different seasons.
42 in 2017/18 (32 goals, 10 assists)
40 in 2024/25 (25 goals, 15 assists).Legend. pic.twitter.com/CCV0j3lYN6
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 23, 2025
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has once again etched his name in the Premier League record books, achieving a feat that eluded legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry. During a high-profile clash against defending champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, the Egyptian forward delivered a stunning performance, scoring the opener and assisting Dominik Szoboszlai in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory. With these contributions, Salah became the first player in Premier League history to be involved in 40 or more goals in multiple seasons, having previously achieved the milestone in the 2017-18 campaign with 32 goals and 10 assists.
Salah’s latest record also set a new benchmark for goal-and-assist combinations in a single Premier League season. His involvement in 11 games where he registered both a goal and an assist surpassed the previous record of seven. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has consistently delivered at least 20 goals per season, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s greatest-ever forwards. His latest exploits further cement his legacy as a game-changer for the Reds, inspiring Liverpool’s title charge while continuing to outshine some of the biggest names in football history.
Featured Image: Ebony Magazine
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 2025.
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