Born in the province of Benguela, the young singer Douro Junior claims to be the true author of the hit “Engano”, a song that many Angolans wrongly attribute to Cef Tanzy due to the vocal similarity. At 26 years old, in an interview with the program Dia Alegre, on PLATINA FM (96.8), the artist revealed that he released the song in 2018 and that the confusion has created challenges in his career. Douro Junior said that he had already had serious problems due to the situation and that, during a meeting with Cef Tanzy at an event, he was informed that Nino Republicano was looking for him, accusing him of “vocal plagiarism”. “When I first met with Cef, he told me that Republicano was looking for me because of this issue. He told me that I am plagiarizing and that I sent some bloggers to publish the song under Cef’s name to tell them,” Douro Junior reported.

Known for being a versatile artist who enjoys doing Portuguese versions of songs by American artists and others, this Monday, March 3, Angolan singer Celma Ribas, embraced the challenge of musician Chris Brown, by doing the Portuguese version of the song “Residuals” and winning the admiration of the public. Through a post made on her social networks, Celma Ribas shared a video where she appears singing the song “Residuals” by American artist Chis Brown, in Portuguese.

Angolan singer Niikology made a shocking revelation during his appearance on the Fly podcast. When talking about his mental health, the artist recalled a difficult time he experienced while he was still in Angola. According to Niikology, he had planned a two-day party before committing the extreme act against his own life. The shocking statement highlights the internal struggle he was facing at that time. Although he did not fully detail the reasons that led him to this emotional state, the singer highlighted the importance of taking care of mental health and seeking support in difficult times.

Angolan artist Gerilson Insrael, clarified this Monday, March 3, during his appearance on the program “A Tarde é Nossa”, about how the work policy of his production company works and added that 3 Finer will be able to take care of his own career outside of “X Label”. The musician emphasized 3 Finer's maturity on a musical level and beyond, reinforcing that the time has come for him to give way to other artists.

Yasmine Abdelaziz Tops The X Trend After the Release of The First Episode of W Tekabel Habib. The chemistry between Abdelaziz and Khaled Selim was just palpable. Following the release of the first episode of W Tekabel Habib, Egyptian actress Yasmine Abdelaziz has captured the public’s attention in a big way—topping trending topics on X (formerly known as Twitter). This surge in popularity is largely attributed to the palpable on-screen chemistry between Abdelaziz and her co-star Khaled Selim, which has set social media abuzz and raised expectations for the series. Within hours of the premiere, fans and critics alike flooded X with praise for Yasmine's performance. Social media users have been quick to share clips, screenshots, and reactions, turning the hashtag related to W Tekabel Habib into one of the most discussed topics of the day. Yasmine Abdelaziz is no stranger to the limelight.

Seals placed on Arezo TV's doors in Kabul were removed in the presence of the country's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (PVPV), said station head Bassir Abid, who reported that the outlet had "resumed our operations". Taliban authorities shut down the TV station on December 4 after the PVPV accused the channel of being supported by exiled media and of betraying Islamic values. Seven of Arezo TV's employees were arrested but released later in December, while the media outlet remained shuttered. The Taliban government has not yet indicated the reason the station was allowed to reopen. The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC), a press freedom group, welcomed the reopening but said in a statement it considered the closure "a flagrant violation of free media rights that should not have happened".

Fans of romantic dramas are in for a treat the latest Ramadan series “Qlbi W Moftaho” (My Heart and Its Key), starring Asser Yassin and Mai Ezz Eddin. “Qlbi W Moftaho” airs at 11 pm daily on the “ON” channel, and is rebroadcast at eight am. It is also aired on the ON Drama channel, at nine pm, and is rebroadcast at six am. The series is one of the 15-episode series, and stars Ashraf Abdel-Baqi, Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Sama Ibrahim, Hazem Samir, Aida Riad, and Taqi Hossam, and is written and directed by Tamer Mohsen. Yassin plays Mohamed, a 40-year-old driver kept single by his mother’s constant rejection of potential wives, until he meets and falls for Mayar, played by Ezz Eddin.

The Center for Shared Memory for Democracy and Peace announced the date of the 14th session of the International Festival of Cinema and Shared Memory in the city of Nador from November 15 to 20, 2025, on the theme "Memory of Peace", in celebration of the efforts of peace advocates who work to reduce armed conflicts and bring peoples and nations closer together through diplomatic channels and the preference for dialogue. The organizers' statement indicated that the session, which coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the Green March, will be held under the chairmanship of Ahmed Akhchichine, Second Vice President of the House of Advisors, and former Minister of National Education, Higher Education, Executive Training and Scientific Research.

ALGIERS- The feature film “Frantz Fanon” by Algerian director Abdenour Zahzah was awarded a prize in Burkina Faso at the closing of the 29th Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (Fespaco), announced the organizers.

An uber drive to Cape Town’s Castle of Good Hope is the last place I expect to be a site of a memorial, but it may be as good a place as any. The midday traffic is starting to thicken. The sun has clearly mistaken Cape Town for Windhoek and it burns my arm when I dare to place my elbow in its glare. I share that silly little joke with the Uber driver who realises I’m from Namibia. Windhoek is a place he’s heard of, hopes to visit, and he’s shocked when I tell him the founding president recently died. “Sam Nujoma!” he says, as if I’ve informed him of the death of an old friend. Quickly, he asks for the details. When? 8 February. Cause of death? Reports say illness. Age? 95. The fact that Nujoma had lived so long seems to soothe him and he launches into a tribute worthy of a more formal commemoration.

Rwandan filmmaker Myriam Uwiragiye Birara’s acclaimed feature ‘The Bride’ continues its triumphant international festival journey, securing a prestigious award at the 2025 Festival Panafricain du Cinéma et de la Télévision de Ouagadougou (FESPACO) in Burkina Faso on February 28. The film which explores the traditional Rwandan custom of abducting women to marry them, was honored with the Prix Spécial UNFPA—a recognition bestowed by the United Nations Population Fund that carries a 4,500 USD prize (approximately 6 million Rwandan Francs). This latest accolade builds upon the film's already impressive credentials, including three awards at Spain's Novos Cinema Festival in 2023. The film is set to be showcased later this year at an art festival in Brazil.

The long-awaited Gather25 event kicked off at BK Arena in high gear, with attendees deeply immersed in worship, praise, and prayer. It was a moment to remember as the crowd danced to the music of Nigerian gospel artist Tim Godfrey, Burundian artists Apollinaire Habonimana, Fabrice, Maya, True Promises Ministries, and more. The event, which runs until March 2 globally, aims to unite the global church in prayer, worship, repentance, and commission, drawing inspiration from the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). If you missed the event in person or online, The New Times covered it for you.

Zachariassen moved back to Uganda from Denmark where she made a name for herself as a renowned performer on different global stages. At a presser during the week, Zachariassen revealed that she has been working on several unreleased music projects. She plans to introduce a unique sound to the local music scene with her singles before compiling an album in 2026. “I plan to release more singles this year and we can work on an album next year. There are many songs I have done and we shall be releasing most of them in the coming months,” she said. She revealed that her marriage inspires her music and sometimes she is inspired by what people around her go through in their respective lives.

The Malawian film industry is making significant strides in its development. Local filmmakers are continuously improving the quality of their productions, showcasing talent and creativity. One of the latest productions contributing to this growth is Cashie Madam, a film by Brazio Mathias and Dorothy Kingston. The movie has gained attention for its storytelling, production quality, and strong performances by the cast. As more Malawian films emerge, the industry is gradually gaining recognition both locally and internationally. Filmmakers are now focusing on improving cinematography, scriptwriting, and acting to meet global standards.

Nigerian music executive Soso Soberekon has recounted how Grammy-winning artiste Beyoncé almost got featured on KCee’s 2013 monster hit Limpopo. Although Limpopo was eventually released without the American superstar's input, the setback didn’t stop the song from becoming an instant smash hit. Soso, a close associate of KCee and his former producer, made the revelation during an interview with media personality Daddy Freeze. The music executive narrated the process of reaching out to Beyoncé’s team and getting a deal sealed. He recounted, “Limpopo was supposed to be a song Kcee featuring Beyoncé.

The film marks the producing debut of Mautin Tairu, a well-regarded executive producer known for his contributions to Mami Wata, the striking black-and-white film that won awards at Sundance and served as Nigeria’s official submission for the 2024 Oscars. Directed by Moses Ipadeola, The Autograph of Nothingness delves into themes of isolation, emotional dependence, and the human need for connection. The film follows its lead character, Menundo, as he grapples with his inner demons, presenting loneliness as a tangible, almost living presence. Blending surrealism with poetic melancholy, the film offers a deeply introspective narrative punctuated by moments of cautious hope. Ipadeola, known for exploring African cosmology in films like Ifa Therapy, Ekun Iyawo: The Tale of a Runaway Bride. and Fate, takes a new approach with this project, addressing themes of grief, loneliness, and men’s mental health.

Florence Otedola, known as DJ Cuppy, has spoken about how her view of her upbringing has changed over time. The disc jockey and daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola said she did not always realize how different her life was from others. Growing up, she never had to worry about basic needs, and her lifestyle seemed normal to her. But as she got older, she began to see that what she took for granted was something many people could only hope for. Sharing her thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “Growing up, I didn’t fully realize just how privileged I was. I never had to worry about anything. Thank God I see it now. What felt normal to me is something someone else is praying for. Gratitude changes everything.”

In a video shared on X by @stjompeee, an Uyajola 9/9 episode focused on someone accused of cheating in Hatfield. In one of the clips, a lady was confronting a man, and they were having a shouting match as Jub Jub stood between them.

Egypt’s Ministry of Culture is launching “El-Leila El-Kebira Everywhere,” a project designed to protect and promote Egyptian heritage, coinciding with the start of Ramadan. The initiative aims to bring the cultural significance of El-Leila El-Kebira to diverse audiences in schools, universities, clubs, and tourist destinations. First performed over half a century ago, El-Leila El-Kebira (The Grand Night) remains an iconic puppet show that represents Egypt’s puppet art at international festivals. Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno, emphasized the significance of the El-Leila El-Kebira operetta, stating that it remains an iconic work that embodies authentic Egyptian identity. Created by Salah Jahin, Sayed Makkawi, and Salah El-Sakka, the operetta continues to resonate in Egyptian cultural memory. “It was essential to introduce it to new generations in various settings, as a singular artistic piece that expresses Egypt’s rich heritage,” he added.

Mohamed Henedy enters the 2025 Ramadan race with “Shehadet Moamalet Atfal” (Child Treatment Certificate), his latest comedic endeavor. The series is a social comedy-drama that centers around the story of lawyer Abdel Sattar Abu Kaff, who gets into a car accident and falls unconscious for 20 years. Upon waking up, he faces significant transformations in his life and society, which puts him in front of challenges, and humorous and exciting situations. The series is scheduled to air on the following channels: CBC, DMC, ON, Al Hayah, and the Watch It platform. Written by Mohamed Soliman Abdel Malek and directed by Sameh Abdel Aziz, “Shehadet Moamalet Atfal” stars Mohamed Henedy, alongside Sabry Fawaz, Sama Ibrahim, Mahmoud Hafez, Noha Abdeen, Walid Fawaz, and Khaled Anwar.

Malawian musician Jolly Bro (JB), based in the United States, has successfully raised MK10 million to purchase food for Malawians affected by hunger. JB, known for sharing his opinions on social media, especially on issues affecting Malawians, took to his platforms to appeal for donations. He urged his fans to contribute to the cause, aiming to provide relief to those struggling with hunger in various districts across the country.

The 2025 edition of the Trace Awards was a night to remember, especially for Tanzania, as the country played host to the prestigious event on 26th February in Zanzibar. The awards brought together Africa’s biggest stars to celebrate the continent’s thriving music scene, with Afrobeats, Amapiano and other African genres taking centre stage. Tanzania’s very own Diamond Platnumz reaffirmed his international appeal by winning the Best Global African Artist award. Known for blending Bongo Flava with Afrobeats, Amapiano and global pop influences, Diamond has consistently elevated East African music to the world stage. His win further cements his influence as a cross-border superstar with a massive following across Africa and beyond.

Rising Egyptian star Nour El Nabawy, known for his role in the blockbuster "El Hareefa” is set to headline Ali F. Mostafa’s highly anticipated “City Of Life _Continuum”, the follow-up to the director’s 2009 hit “City Of Life”, which achieved the highest box office ranking in the UAE that year and became the top-grossing Emirati film of the 2010s.

Today, Friday, in Rabat, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, supervised the appointment of members of the Committee for Supporting the Production of Cinematic Works, in the presence of the Secretary-General of the Communication Sector and Acting Director of the Moroccan Cinema Center, Abdel Aziz Boujdaini.