Angolan actor Fredy Costa celebrated Valentine's Day, which was celebrated this Saturday, February 14th, with a statement marked by romance and emotional maturity, arguing that true love should be experienced beyond celebratory dates. In a post shared on his Instagram profile, where he appears alongside his wife, Carmen Mouro, the artist highlighted that the essence of a solid relationship is not limited to February 14th, but is built daily, based on values ​​such as loyalty, respect, and commitment. "February 14th is just a date, our love doesn't live by dates, it lives by daily choices. By loyalty. By respect. By building something together. We don't celebrate Valentine's Day. We celebrate every day the privilege of having each other. Happy Valentine's Day, my love," she declared.

The Namibian feature film 'Life', directed by Leornard Tshikesho and produced by Gustav Nuuyoma, has secured nominations in both the feature film content and audience choice categories at the British 2026 Lift-Off Filmmaker Festival Sessions (Volume Two). The festival runs from 9 to 23 February at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom, one of the most famous film studios in the world. This is an exciting achievement for 'Life', as it continues to gain attention from audiences across the globe. The film tells authentic stories about life in Windhoek, specifically within the streets of Katutura and Havana. It follows the journey of a young couple facing dire socio-economic hardships that test the limits of their love. By depicting how ordinary people navigate poverty, financial struggles and personal challenges, the movie’s message of "living in faith everyday" continues to touch many viewers.

Namibian musician and hip-hop artist NGA-I is set to make a comeback with his new single, 'Thorota', his first major release since 3 March 2025. The track signals a confident return and a bold artistic statement from an artist who says growth, self-belief and craft are at the heart of his latest work. In an interview with Tjil, NGA-I spoke about his inspiration: “It was really inspiration itself. I draw from the music and the instrumental. The secret for me is taking it easy. I listen to what the beat is saying and put it into words." He describes the track as a personal reflection of his artistic evolution, rooted in his beginnings as a poet and emcee. While hip-hop and trap often emphasise competition, he says his mindset has changed over time.

In a night that will be etched in the memories of comedy lovers, Triccs, one of Botswana’s most stylish comedians, took centre stage at President Hotel to celebrate his birthday. The event drew a lively crowd eager to experience comedy blended with flair and personality. Fans gathered in large numbers, reflecting Triccs’ growing influence in Botswana’s entertainment scene. The atmosphere was electric from the start, setting the tone for an evening of nonstop laughter. The show reinforced his reputation as a performer who knows how to turn personal milestones into major entertainment moments. The third edition of Too Young to be this Old, a comedy show written and directed by Triccs, proved to be a massive success. The audience remained engaged throughout the night, reacting with constant laughter and applause.

Last year, Sereetsi & The Natives didn’t just perform a concert, they rewrote expectations. Violins met four-string guitars, cellos wrapped around folk rhythms, and Maitisong Theatre held its breath. The result? A sold-out, history-making night that left audiences asking the obvious question: When are you bringing it back? WHY IT HAD TO RETURN The answer is demand, ambition, and belief. The Native Philharmonic Experience returns for its second edition on 28 March 2026 at Maitisong Theatre, and this time it arrives louder in purpose. “We brought it back because there was demand for us to do the show again. It was sold out last year,” said lead vocalist Tomeletso Sereetsi in an interview. This isn’t nostalgia, it’s unfinished business.

Earlier today, outstanding Ghanaian musician Samini (Samini Dagaati) paid a courtesy visit to the Director of Tobinco Media Group, Ms. Abigail Tobbin, as part of efforts to strengthen industry relationships and increase visibility for his new project, #ORIGINA. The visit, described as warm and engaging, formed part of Samini’s strategic outreach to key stakeholders within the media and entertainment landscape. Known for his consistency, influence, and contribution to Ghana’s music industry over the years, Samini continues to demonstrate not only musical excellence but also professionalism in fostering strong partnerships. During the interaction, Samini officially introduced and discussed the vision behind #ORIGINA, a project that is already generating buzz among fans and industry players. The initiative seeks to highlight his musical roots while showcasing growth, authenticity, and cultural pride — elements that have defined his career.

In the heart of the Sahara, where the routes to Sudan and Libya cross, the Chadian city of Amdjarass has been transformed this week into an open-air celebration of desert culture. The Saharan celebration has included dance troupes, musicians, traditional storytellers, craftspeople, cooks and nomadic camel drivers from across the vast region. Niger, the guest of honour at the sixth Amdjarass International Festival of Saharan Cultures (FICSA), hailed the event as a way to foster peace in a region beset by conflict and climate change. “In a world rife with tensions, crises and misunderstandings, culture remains a space for encounter and dialogue, enabling us to understand and respect each other and build together,” Niger’s crafts and tourism minister Aghaichata Guichene Atta told the opening ceremony on Saturday.

Multiple award-winning Ghanaian rapper and producer E.L has signed a major publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing West Africa, marking a significant new chapter in his career and positioning his catalogue for expanded global reach. The partnership aligns E.L with one of the world’s leading music publishing companies, known for supporting songwriters through global licensing, royalty administration, and creative collaborations. Under the agreement, Sony Music Publishing West Africa will manage and optimize E.L’s extensive catalogue across key international markets. E.L now joins an impressive roster that includes Wizkid, Tems, Sarkodie, Lojay, 1da Banton, and producer MOG Beatz—further highlighting the increasing global visibility of West African music talent.

"I started making music as a joke — and it somehow became my life," Moroccan-Belgian singer Tawsen tells The New Arab, laughing as he looks back on how his career began. "Honestly, we didn't listen to music at home. I didn't have piano lessons. I wasn't meant to do this," the 28-year-old continues. "Sometimes, when I'm on stage singing to a crowd, I still catch myself thinking, 'What's happening? How did I get here?'" But hearing his music, it's clear that his unexpected journey was meant to be. What began as messing around in a studio with friends soon took on a life of its own. Posting tracks online and experimenting with different sounds, Tawsen slowly discovered that music wasn't just a hobby — it was a way to express himself and connect with people in ways he had never expected.

It took Egyptian actor Mona Zaki more than a year’s preparation to take on the hardest role of her career, the iconic singer Umm Kulthum, a legend in the Arab world. Marwan Hamed’s “El Sett” (“The Lady”) premiered this week at the Marrakech International Film Festival, where Zaki told AFP about the daunting task she faced. “I was very scared at the beginning,” she said. “I didn’t know where to start.” Zaki is one of Egypt’s more recognisable actors but her fears were not unfounded. Half a century after her death, Umm Kulthum remains a towering cultural figure across the region, distinguished by her unmistakable voice, marathon-length performances and signature scarf and sunglasses. So telling the story of a woman born in a small Nile Delta village in 1898 who grew up to enrapture millions of listeners proved difficult for Zaki.

The fourth Hollywood Arab Film Festival (HAFF), celebrating Arab Heritage Month from 9 to 13 April at Hollywood Universal Studio Cinema in California, will feature multiple Egyptian films, including Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo and The Tale of Daye’s Family. Actor Ahmed Helmy will receive the Life Achievement Award, and actress Elham Shaheen will head the jury panel. Directed by Egyptian filmmaker Karim El-Shenawy, The Tale of Daye’s Family (Daye: Seret Ahl El Daye) will open HAFF. The Tale of Daye’s Family: Opening film The Egyptian-Saudi co-production Daye, written by Haitham Dabbour, follows the story of an 11-year-old albino Nubian boy who dreams of going on a magical journey from south to north Egypt to pursue his dream of becoming a singer.

Following its successful world premiere at CPH:DOX, Egyptian director Yomna Khattab’s introspective debut family documentary 50 METERS captivated audiences during a second screening at the festival, followed by a panel discussion titled ‘Who Has the Right to Tell the Stories?’ featuring Yomna Khattab, filmmaker Marina Vorobyeva, and visual anthropologist Haena Laura Na Blankholm. Moderated by Jennifer Maria Matos Tonndorff, the panel sparked a thoughtful dialogue about the personal narratives woven into filmmaking. When asked, "At what point did you realize your father was not just part of the film, but its core? And how did that realization shape the way you filmed him?" Yomna provided rich insights into the evolving dynamics between her and her father throughout the filming process.

The Palestinian co-director of Oscar-winning film “No Other Land” Hamdan Ballal was beaten up by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, taken away by Israeli soldiers and detained overnight, according to his family, friends, colleagues, eyewitnesses and lawyer. On Tuesday afternoon, following his release from detention, Ballal’s lawyer Leah Tzemel said that he had been “arbitrarily” held in police detention in Kiryat Arba’a, an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, and that he had been beaten in custody by Israeli soldiers. Following his release, he was moved to a hospital in Hebron, where he was treated for his injuries, according to his brother, Nimer. Despite suffering from dehydration and bruising, Ballal left the hospital, his co-director Basel Adra told CNN. He has now returned home to his family in Susya in the occupied West Bank, his brother said.

Dua Lipa scored a legal victory in a copyright lawsuit over her 2020 smash hit “Levitating” after a judge dismissed the case. Lipa was initially hit with a pair of “Levitating” copyright lawsuits in March 2022, one from Florida reggae group named Artikal Sound System that was dismissed in June 2023, and another from L. Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer. Judge Katherine Polk Failla dismissed the latter in New York court on Monday, explaining that the commonalities between songs were not protectable under copyright law. In their initial suit, Brown and Linzer accused Lipa of copying both their 1979 song “Wiggle and Giggle All Night” and 1980 song “Don Diablo,” two tracks dating from the disco era. They stated that the opening melody of “Levitating” was a “duplicate” of the melody to their songs and claimed that Lipa herself had “admitted that she deliberately emulated prior eras” in the press and “took inspiration” to create a “retro” sound.

ALGIERS- Artist Hamza Feghouli, known for his comic character "Mama Messaouda," died Friday following a long illness, at the age of 86, according to his entourage.

Award-winning hip-hop artist Gigi Lamayne has finally dropped her much-anticipated album, Doves & Scones. Gigi's latest offering, Doves & Scones, was released on Friday, 28 March, on all stre In a press release shared with Briefly News, Gigi Lamayne marks a decade in the music industry "A decade into her career, Gigi LaMayne continues to redefine the game with Doves & Scones, an album that balances introspection with raw, unfiltered energy. Known for her fearless storytelling, she dives deep into personal growth, resilience, and cultural impact."

Music duos have long captivated audiences, creating enchanting soundscapes that speak to the heart. Yet, for every pair that finds enduring synergy, some succumb to the pressures of fame, creative differences, and personal disputes - leaving fans reeling in their wake. Recently, several prominent music partnerships have called it quits, leaving listeners with a sense of longing for the magic that once was. One of the recent most talked-about splits comes from Murumba Pitch, the dynamic South African duo consisting of Emmanuel Mathye, and Thabang Innocent Mangolo. After a critical meeting earlier this month, the pair announced their decision to terminate their partnership with immediate effect.

10 Interesting Facts About Big Brother Season 5 Winner Sweet Guluva. The winner of of Big Brother Mzansi is Sweet Guluva. He is the talk of town at the moment, and everyone wants a piece of him. Learn more about Guluva from the 10 facts below. 1. His real name is Akhonamathemba Mbele, but is popularly known as Sweet Guluva 2. The 23 year old is an only child. He has massive support from his mother, uncles, aunts and other family members. 3. Before fame, the reality show star was just a soccer player and barber from KwaZulu-Natal. He often did some of the housemates’ hair, which they really appreciated. 4. Sweet Guluva gained fame when he joined Big Brother Mzansi season 5. From the get go he was a fan favorite. Viewers loved him, and some female housemates found him really attractive.

Your social calendar just got the ultimate upgrade—10 must-visit spots and events handpicked just for you. Whether you are into live music, business panels, sports, gospel, or social gatherings, Kigali’s entertainment scene has something to keep you in the loop. Boukuru Acoustic Live Immerse yourself in a night of soulful melodies with songstress Boukuru, hosted by Marnaud Music Therapy at Atelier Du Vin. Known for her enchanting vocals, Boukuru was among this year’s Prix Découvertes RFI 2025. Curated by DJ Marnaud and friends, this event blends acoustic rhythms with carefully selected beats for an intimate yet electrifying experience. Happening this Friday, March 28, with free entry for ladies before 9 PM. General admission: Rwf8,000.

The Gen-Z Comedy Show, a popular bi-weekly event in Kigali, celebrated its third anniversary on March 27 at the Kigali Exhibition and Conference Village. The milestone event featured a surprise performance by Nigerian comedian Jose Angel Napi Ondo, who caught the audience off guard. Speaking to The New Times, comedian and event founder Merci Ndaruhutse, Fally Merci, reflected on the show's growth. “I no longer feel like I’m just hosting people—I’m hosting major events,” he said. “Bringing top comedians like Pablo, Alex Muhangi, MC Mariachi, and others to Rwanda shows how far we’ve come. Comedy Store Uganda was a big inspiration for launching Gen-Z Comedy.” Fally Merci also highlighted the significance of hosting Comedy Store Uganda in Kigali, calling it a milestone for Rwanda’s comedy industry. “Success isn’t just about money—having them here is already a big step forward,” he said.

British filmmaker and actor Idris Elba has expressed interest in partnering with the Ghanaian government to establish a state-of-the-art film and creative village along the coast near Osu Castle in Accra. During a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House on March 28, 2025, Elba shared his vision for the project, emphasizing its potential to revitalize the film industry, create employment opportunities, and nurture local talent. “We remain committed to strengthening Ghana’s creative sector. The location near Osu Castle presents a unique opportunity for this initiative, which we believe will be an essential part of the creative industry’s growth,” Elba stated. He further highlighted the project's focus on education and job creation, noting that strategic planning was already underway to ensure its success.

Ghanaian artiste Trigmatic has urged musicians in the country to seek legal assistance when signing contracts. Speaking at the African Music Business Dialogue and Music Showcase '25 at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum on March 28, 2025, Trigmatic emphasised that artistes should not be stingy when it comes to securing their careers. He stressed the importance of considering the long-term implications of contracts to avoid future regrets. "When they send you that 40-page contract and you know you can't read it, get a lawyer and stop being stingy. Lawyers don’t just speak English, they also love money. "You need to understand the role you are playing when working on a project and charge accordingly. Also, think long-term when signing contracts. If you sign a contract where a commercial will run for an extended period, you will continue earning royalties whenever it airs. That way, you won’t become a burden to your family," he explained.

Nigerian music superstar Davido has opened up about his marriage to Chioma Adeleke, revealing that they lived together for eight years before officially tying the knot. Speaking on The Bootleg Kev Podcast, Davido shared that cohabiting for nearly a decade before marriage made the transition much smoother. He recalled that their journey began during his third year of college and how their deep friendship naturally evolved into a lasting relationship. Despite their long-term bond, Davido admitted that marriage comes with its own unique experiences and challenges. “Marriage is no joke,” he said, adding that it continues to present new experiences every day. However, he expressed gratitude for his wife’s unwavering support and understanding of the demands of his music career.

And if I say that Séketxe are on another level, you'll say I'm lying. But I'm here to say it: this group brings harmony to their compositions, not only to portray reality, but to create harmony between what they sing and what they live. That's Rap Cia! “Gualembe” is the new song that mixes what is ours with modernism and a fusion between trap and Afro, of course with the group's usual beautiful rap. It brings the cry of someone who comes from the ghetto and shines in the city, that is, in the capital. I can say: today, there is no group or rapper that can compete with Séketxe. Yes, they bring something unique. Angolan rap is in full swing, and “Gualembe” is proof of what has been said about the group. After a season dedicated to solo projects — such as “Mete Dica” by 12 Furos and “Canto de Glória” by BadBanzelo, in addition to other works that gave voice to the members’ individual careers — they return with full force.