Anele Zondo, fondly known as “Ney The Bae” sparked excitement as she teases a “Kuningi” remix featuring Usimamane. The multi-talented rapper hinted at an upcoming collaboration on her Instagram and left fans buzzing with excitement. In the post, she shared a snippet of the upbeat track, with the caption “Kuning Remix??? @u.simamane” Usimamane can be seen jamming in the background which just might be a confirmation.

Showmax has just released the trailer for Tiek Tok Boem!, an explosive Showmax Original documentary set to premiere on 18 February 2025. This eye-opening 90-minute documentary takes a deep dive into the world of Afrikaans TikTokers who are pushing the platform to new – and often disturbing – levels. When most people think of TikTok, they picture fun dance challenges, viral memes, and endless laughs. But those days are over. A new wave of Afrikaans TikTokers is now dominating the local scene with their so-called “Drama Lives.” Some say ruling it, while others argue they’re ruining it. These live streams are far from your typical fun and games: they’re filled with cyberbullying, substance abuse, violence, explicit language, and, on occasion, even flushing your ex’s ashes down the toilet. Sadly, these chaotic broadcasts have already led to live-streamed suicide attempts.

Whether you are in a hairy situation, worried about the robots taking over, in the midst of instigating all your own chaos, loving yourself or growing a big old green thumb, I got your back. As you know, I’ll never leave you because I want you to always have something fun – and maybe educational – lined up to pass the time. It’s not all salsa dancing and cocktails, but it can be, if that’s what floats your boat. Today The Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management presents an artificial inteligence (AI) marketing workshop today from 14h00 to 16h00 at its Olympia campus. Come through to hear from multiple award-winning marketing agency owner and public speaker Alexander Morad as part of his ‘AI or Die’ tour. This workshop aims at giving youth, entrepreneurs and marketing experts the skills to harness AI tools for sustainable livelihoods. Entry is free.

A special concert celebrating Birmingham's reggae history is to take place on what would have been Bob Marley's 80th birthday. The Reggae Origins concert will see Basil Gabbidon and musicians from Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) join forces on Thursday evening at the city's Town Hall. Legendary reggae singer Marley died of cancer at the age of 36 on 11 May 1981. Gabbidon, founding member of the Handsworth-born reggae band Steel Pulse, said the musician would "probably be as surprised as we are" that the genre was growing and still going strong. "It's amazing how it's just spread across the world," he said of the reggae scene. "When you hear Bob Marley's music, it's always been there." The classical and reggae fusion concert will see strings and a full band performing brand new arrangements of songs from the Birmingham Reggae scene, alongside some of Bob Marley's biggest hits.

Kigali City has signed an agreement with Gen-Z Comedy, a popular comedy event series, to promote young comedians and enhance entertainment in the city. The deal, signed on February 6, 2025, aims to support emerging talent while providing an engaging social experience for Kigali residents. The agreement was signed by Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva and Gen-Z Comedy founder Fally Merci, who runs the event through his company, Comedy Is Mine (CIM). According to Merci, the partnership will be reviewed annually to ensure continuous support for comedians and high-quality entertainment for the public. “This agreement is all about elevating talented comedians and making sure the people of Kigali can enjoy themselves in a vibrant, well-organized city,” said Merci. “We want residents to know exactly when and where they can experience great comedy, allowing them to unwind and connect with others.”

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDDENT | Kampala is set to experience the electrifying energy of the TRACE Awards City Tour on February 13th at Noni Vie. Hosted by TRACE and Johnnie Walker, this exclusive event will bring together Uganda’s music elite for a night of live performances, artist meet-and-greets, and a celebration of African music and culture. With the TRACE Music Awards set to dazzle Zanzibar on February 26, the continent has been buzzing with anticipation. The awards city tour has already set major African cities like Johannesburg and Nairobi on fire, and now, it’s Kampala’s turn to experience the magic! Music lovers in Uganda will get an exclusive front-row seat to the road to the awards, featuring electrifying live performances, meet-and-greet sessions with top artists, and a thrilling showcase of the creative force behind African music’s global rise.

Nigerian popstar Ayra Starr has found herself in hot water after posting a video promoting a song belonging to 'cancelled' singer Naira Marley and then deleting the video after being criticised. The video has sparked reactions from thousands of social media users, quickly making her a trending topic on Twitter. Naira Marley himself has been on the wrong side of social media following the death of his former signee Mohbad in 2023, under mysterious circumstances. After Mohbad's death, it was alleged that Marley had bullied and cyberstalked the late singer, which did not sit well with Nigerians. Since then, his engagement has drastically reduced.

Nigerian actor and comedian Bovi has opened up about his reasons for enrolling his children in boarding schools abroad instead of in Nigeria. Speaking during his recent interview on the Uncolured Podcast, Bovi explained that the decision, while initially accidental with his son, stemmed from his concerns about bullying and the potential negative impact of the Nigerian boarding school system. My kids don't live in the country anymore; they've been in the UK. At first, it started by accident and my son was in boarding school. I know what boarding school did for me here; it made me street smart. He emphasised his desire to shield his children from such experiences, stating that he did not want a situation where he'd have to fight another child or his parents for bullying his own child.

The Nigerian film industry has lost another of its veteran performers, Columbus Irisoanga, fondly known as ‘Igbudu’ following his unforgettable role in the 2001 Nollywood classic Isakaba. His passing was announced by actress and politician Hilda Dokubo, who expressed her deep sorrow over his death in an emotional Instagram post. “Our uncle Coli @colu_mbusirisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu. There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State, Nollywood,” Dokubo wrote. Irisoanga’s death is a significant loss not just for Nollywood but also for the academic community. He was a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), where he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. Over the years, he nurtured and mentored many students who have gone on to become industry professionals.

Ghana and Jamaica share a deep and historic bond, rooted in their shared experiences of the transatlantic slave trade and a common cultural heritage. This connection is not only historical but also thrives through music, which continues to serve as a powerful medium of communication and unity between the two nations. Over the years we have witnessed visits by artists from both countries and seen them also put out some great music. In recent times, we have seen the likes of Stonebwoy host some of Jamaica’s biggest artists at his Bhim Festival as well as collaborate on chart topping songs. The most recent interaction between both countries was Shatta Wale’s performance at Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street concerts which sparked a lot of conversations. Like this recent visit, Ghana and Jamaica continue to share a strong bond and relatiosnhip which gets stronger by the day.

The air was electric at the grand ballroom in Monrovia as families and fans gathered to witness a unique spectacle: Liberia’s rising stars in ballroom dance. The competition featured a dazzling array of cha-cha-chas, tangos, and quicksteps, with each young performer vying to impress the judges and the cheering crowd. From the very first note of the music, it was clear this wasn’t just a showcase—it was a battle. The competition was fierce, with dancers executing moves that seemed to defy their ages and training. As the audience roared in delight, each performance seemed to push the boundaries of what Liberian ballroom dancing could achieve.

One of The Gambia’s biggest music stars, Big Banga, is set to thrill fans at his highly anticipated Xorondaga Concert this Saturday, February 8, at Manjai Park. Thousands of music lovers and Gambian entertainment enthusiasts are expected to attend the event, which has been generating buzz across social media. In a recent Facebook post, Big Banga confirmed that top Gambian artists Jizzle and Hussain Dada will be performing alongside him at the concert. The lineup also includes Miss Jobizz, Awa Gambia, Pa Ebou, Napx, and Daddy Boston, promising an electrifying night of music and entertainment.

Every year, new talent emerges—though many have spent years honing their craft before catching a fan’s attention, let alone mainstream recognition. Rap faces an even tougher climb, with limited airplay making it harder for artists to gain traction. That’s why it’s always exciting to see someone push past the odds and make their mark. Based on streams, buzz, uniqueness, and critical acclaim, here are seven rap acts poised for a breakthrough in 2025.

The 23rd National Arts Merit Awards (NAMAs) ceremony promises to be a distinctive celebration of pure talent and class, according to event organisers. Scheduled to take place in Harare on March 31, with the venue to be announced in two weeks, this year’s edition is set to be full of surprises. In a show of inclusivity and economic empowerment, the 23rd NAMAs will celebrate pure talent under one roof and provide a platform for entrepreneurs to thrive by selling their wares. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), in partnership with Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC), is spearheading this exciting event.

The Arab Organization for Education, Culture, and Science Announces the Selection of the Great Star Yehia El-Fakharany as the Symbol of Arab Culture for 2025. The Arab Organization for Education, Culture, and Science (ALECSO) has announced the selection of the renowned Egyptian artist, Dr. Yehia El-Fakharany, as the Symbol of Arab Culture for 2025 as part of the 11th edition of the Arab Poetry Day celebrations. This selection comes in recognition of Dr. El-Fakharany’s significant contributions to art and Arab culture. Throughout his long career, he has played a vital role in strengthening Arab cultural identity, continuously creating works that have influenced multiple generations, making him a symbol of both Egyptian and Arab art. Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Minister of Culture, received an official letter from ALECSO, in which the organization praised the Egyptian Ministry of Culture’s nomination of Dr. Yehia El-Fakharany.

The series “Fahd El Batal” delves into the world of marble trading, a tough and demanding industry. The story takes place in a popular neighborhood with a dramatic Upper Egyptian storyline. Ahmed Elawady plays the character of Fahd, a young man from Upper Egypt who flees from his family due to injustice. Throughout the episodes, Fahd travels to Cairo and starts a new life, but soon finds himself entangled in new conflicts. The plot revolves around the marble trade in the Shak El-Taban area, where Fahd appears as a marble craftsman working for Faiza El-Shabah ( Lucy) the owner of a marble factory. Meanwhile, the series’ lead actress, Mirna Nour El-Din, portrays a marble craftswoman working alongside her father, played by actor Haggag Abdel Azim, who is a marble trader.

The Egyptian short film Blackout will have its world premiere at the 55th Tampere Film Festival in Finland, which will take place from 5 to 9 March. Blackout, the only entry from Egypt in this festival, will be screened in the international competition, vying for the highest price. The drama film follows the story of a family who faces a sudden health emergency as their grandfather becomes seriously ill, so the male members of the family leave urgently to find a doctor but do not return, leaving the women and their children behind in a state of anxiety. As tensions rise, the women are startled by the unexpected arrival of a young woman, a resident in their building, accompanied by a mysterious man. The women and their children met this encounter with intense reactions as they project their anxiety onto the man and woman.

Egyptian film Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo, which premiered in January in Egypt, was released in 100 cinemas across the Arab world and is yet to be screened in California, USA. Director Khaled Mansour's first feature-length narrative, Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo, will begin screening in the UAE and Saudi Arabia on 5 and 6 February, respectively. Mansour will lead a discussion of the film after the screening at Wadi Cinema in Riyadh. Mohamed El-Hosseiny and Mansour co-wrote the film, which stars Essam Omar, Rakin Saad, Sama Ibrahim, and Ahmed Bahaa, the co-founder of the Sharmoofers band, in his debut acting role. The drama film tells the story of Hassan (Essam Omar), a young man in his thirties who is forced to confront his past fears. He embarks on self-discovery, which includes a quest to save his dog and best friend, Rambo, from an unknown fate.

A romantic drama about an elderly couple who share a night together to escape their loneliness has landed its Iranian directors with legal charges and pressure to stop its release internationally. The feel-good movie called "My Favourite Cake" has been lauded on the festival circuit and appeared in cinemas in more than a dozen countries at the end of 2024. With favourable reviews mounting and more international releases expected in coming weeks, Tehran-based directors Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha are facing rising intimidation from Iranian authorities. "They want us to stop the release of the film in different countries," Sanaeeha told AFP by videocall from the Iranian capital. "When a film goes to festival or starts a new release in a new country, they call us ... and then push us to stop the film, in France, in Italy, in Germany and everywhere," he added.

For decades, the Palestinian cause has transcended politics, evolving into a profound humanitarian issue that resonates with millions worldwide, including leading figures in art and media. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and Israeli aggression intensifies, voices denouncing these injustices grow stronger. Egyptian artists have taken an unwavering stance against the forced displacement threatening Gaza’s people. In recent days, prominent Egyptian artists, including Yousra, Elham Shahin, Sawsan Badr, Hamada Hilal, and Magdy El-Kordy, along with screenwriter Magdy Saber and director Omar Abdel Aziz, have spoken out against the uprooting of Palestinians from their homeland. They reaffirm that Egypt, which has historically supported the Palestinian cause, categorically rejects the displacement of Gaza’s population.

The Palestinian cause has long been a defining issue in the Arab world, shaping not only political discourse but also cultural and artistic expression. For decades, Egyptian artists and writers have used their platforms to highlight the struggles of the Palestinian people, emphasizing the centrality of this cause to Arab identity and unity. Their works have served as powerful tools of resistance, solidarity, and awareness, reflecting the deep connection between Egypt and Palestine. This article explores the contributions of some of the most prominent Egyptian artists and writers who have tackled the Palestinian cause in their works, affirming that the Palestinian cause remains a central issue in Arab art and policy—one that cannot be ignored or compromised.

On the 7th and 8th of this month, the House of Poetry in Marrakech is organizing the fourth session of the Children’s Reading Forum. This event is dedicated by the House to raising awareness of reading among children, adolescents and young people, in parallel with its programs, which have become a fixed tradition that establishes a large creative nursery that develops the skills of members from various age groups. The headquarters of the House at the Al-Dawudiyyat Cultural Center will host, on Friday, February 7, at 6:30 pm, a symposium on poetry, colloquial speech, and translation in children’s literature, with a presentation of the experience of the House of Poetry in Marrakech, which is concerned with poetry writing workshops for children and young adults, which has reached its eighth year this season.

Scandal! viewers took to social media this week to celebrate Tiro More's (Lebohang Msiza) arrest after he kidnapped his nephew, Khumo who is Sanda's (Nelisiwe Sibiya) son, While some fans praised Msiza for his exceptional performance as Seputla Sebogodi's on-screen son, Tiro More, others revealed that they hated his character. The e.tv soapie shared a clip of Tiro crying to his mother in jail for killing Unity and for kidnapping and drugging his nephew, Khumo.

Actor Clement Maosa who portrays the role of Tbose Maputla's brother, Kwaito is going through a lot in Skeem Saam. Kwaito and Lizzy (Amanda Mantu) who tied the knot in a traditional ceremony in December 2023 are pregnant with twins. But the pair might lose their babies after the doctor revealed that Lizzy cannot carry her babies to full-term. Skeem Saam viewers are furious with the writers of the show for giving Kwaito and Lizzy a hard time. The educational soapie recently shared a video of Kwaito and Lizzy's pregnancy dilemma on social media this week.