SZA is reducing her social media engagement with fans, TikTok comes back online in the US following ban, Tottenham suffer fresh injury hell with Dominic Solanke ruled out with knee problem. 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. SZA is reducing her social media engagement with fans
No more explanations / updates . No back n forth . All further questions hit punch . Thanks
— SZA (@sza) January 17, 2025
Grammy-winning artist SZA has announced that she will be reducing her engagement with fans on social media, citing the need to protect her peace and maintain professionalism. Known for her openness, the “Snooze” singer often shared personal updates and music snippets in an effort to foster a deeper connection with her audience. However, the transparency has led to entitlement and criticism from some fans, particularly over delays in her music releases, which she noted were often caused by factors outside her control, such as sample clearance issues and natural disasters.
In a heartfelt post, SZA explained her decision to stop engaging fans on social media, stating, “I used to think sharing snippets, personal info + music tea would build connection, but it actually just made ppl entitled, ungrateful, and disrespectful. It’s time to restore the boundary.” While many fans rallied in support, the negativity has pushed her to focus on releasing content without prior announcements.
2. TikTok comes back online after Trump’s promise to restore it
TikTok has a new Welcome Back message after being unbanned in the U.S.
“Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” pic.twitter.com/J6aoqMH8ts
— ryan 🤿 (@scubaryan_) January 19, 2025
TikTok has returned to American users just 12 hours after it went offline, citing President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to save the app. Users were greeted with a notification thanking them for their patience and attributing the app’s restoration to Trump’s assurances. The shutdown, which began late Saturday, had left users unable to access TikTok, with a message explaining the app was temporarily offline due to legal restrictions. By early Sunday, TikTok’s app and website were back online after Trump announced plans to issue an executive order delaying the enforcement of the divest-or-ban law. The social media outlet expressed gratitude to Trump in a statement, saying his actions assured service providers that they would not face penalties for supporting the platform.
TikTok’s swift restoration has been welcomed by its 170 million U.S. users who depend on the app for entertainment, news, and income. Former President Trump’s involvement is considered a strategic political move to attract younger voters and businesses. However, the app’s long-term future is uncertain due to divestment requirements. Critics, including some from Trump’s party, argue that TikTok should remain offline until its ties with its China-based owner, ByteDance, are cut. The app’s future may hinge on finding a buyer or forming a joint venture in the U.S., as ByteDance is reluctant to sell its valuable algorithm.
3. Olamide surprises fans with album announcement
You’d have to wait for Ikigai vol. 2 almost here. ❤️🙏🏾 https://t.co/qA2ayW9fMb
— Olamidé (@Olamide) January 19, 2025
Renowned rapper and YBNL CEO, Olamide has sent fans into a frenzy with the surprise announcement of a new album slated for release in 2025. Known affectionately as Badoo, the multiple award-winning artist took to his social media platforms early on Sunday, January 19, to tease the forthcoming project. This revelation has sparked widespread excitement, with fans eagerly speculating on the details of the highly anticipated release.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of Olamide’s groundbreaking album “Ikigai Vol. 1,” which earned critical acclaim for its innovative sound and lyrical depth. While the rapper stopped short of confirming an exact release date, the mention of a second volume has fueled expectations of another game-changing project. Social media is already abuzz, with many describing the anticipation for the album as reaching an all-time high. Olamide’s consistent ability to surprise and delight his audience underscores why he remains one of the most celebrated figures in the Nigerian music industry.
4. Rick Ross meets up with South African rapper Usimamane during Cape Town visit
Usimamane vibing with Rick Ross 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uBuFTX3Idc
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) January 18, 2025
American rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross recently met up with rising South African hip-hop star Usimamane during his visit to Cape Town. The encounter, which took place at a luxurious private venue overlooking the iconic Table Mountain, was filled with mutual admiration as the two artists discussed their shared love for music and plans to collaborate in the future. Ross, known for hits like “Hustlin'” and his Maybach Music empire, praised Usimamane’s authentic style and lyrical depth, stating, “This is what the culture needs—voices that represent where they’re from while speaking to the world.”
Usimamane, a standout figure in the South African rap scene, described the meeting as a dream come true. “Rick Ross is a legend in the game. Having the chance to connect with him in my hometown is surreal. We talked about life, music, and bridging the gap between African and American hip-hop,” he shared. Fans have already begun speculating about a potential collaboration, with both artists hinting at studio time during Ross’s stay in South Africa.
5. Tottenham suffer fresh injury hell with Dominic Solanke ruled out with knee problem
Dominic Solanke has picked up more injuries in 6 months at #Tottenham than he did in his last 2 years at Bournemotih. pic.twitter.com/zsyGP7Yw8u
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) January 18, 2025
Tottenham Hotspur’s injury woes have deepened as forward Dominic Solanke has been ruled out of action with a knee problem. Due to the injury, the 27-year-old England international, who has scored 11 goals across all competitions this season, missed Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against Everton at Goodison Park, where Tottenham lost 3-2. The news adds to manager Ange Postecoglou’s mounting concerns, with key players such as Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, and Rodrigo Bentancur already sidelined due to various fitness issues. Spurs are struggling for form and currently sit 15th in the league after a dismal run of five matches without a win.
Tottenham is facing an injury crisis, with Richarlison de Andrade expected to replace Solanke. The Brazilian forward recently returned from a hamstring injury and made a brief appearance in the midweek loss to Arsenal. With a struggling squad and pressure mounting, Postecoglou hopes for Solanke’s quick recovery to help revive the team’s campaign.
Featured Image: Cass Meyers via @sza/Instagram
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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