Tragic news has emerged from the Nigerian film industry as beloved Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has passed away at the age of 40 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His absence from social media and public appearances in recent months had raised alarms among fans and colleagues alike. The last update shared by Ekubo on his social media accounts dates back to December 2024. Alexx Ekubo captivated audiences with his performances in a variety of romantic comedies and dramatic films, including noteworthy titles such as Ladies…

Cynthia Shange, celebrated as the first Black woman to represent South Africa at Miss World during the apartheid era, has died at 76. Her daughter, Nonhle Thema, confirmed her passing and honored Shange’s enduring compassion and influence. Shange became a household name in the 1970s when she took the Miss World stage for South Africa. Under apartheid, Black women were barred from entering Miss South Africa and instead built their own platforms through parallel pageants. Shange captured one of those crowns, winning Miss…

In a powerful gesture ahead of Independence Day, South Africa will return Zimbabwe’s last remaining soapstone bird and ancestral human remains, closing a chapter that began with the artefact’s theft more than a century ago during the colonial period. The items will be handed over in a symbolic ceremony. Carved from soapstone and originating from Great Zimbabwe, the bird stands as a defining national emblem of identity and pride. Minister Gayton McKenzie said the move follows a directive from President Cyril Ramaphosa,…

The Nigerian police have apprehended 15 individuals in connection with allegations of rape and sexual assault that emerged during the Alue-Do festival in Ozoro, Delta State. This investigative action comes in the wake of shocking footage that surfaced online, depicting women being chased, stripped, and assaulted in public spaces, igniting a wave of outrage on social media. The hashtag #StopRapingWomen swiftly gained traction, amplifying demands for accountability concerning gender-based violence. Authorities have refuted…

France Returns Djidji Ayokwe Drum to Côte d'Ivoire: A Step Toward Reconciliation In a significant move toward addressing historical injustices, France has officially returned the Djidji Ayokwe "talking drum" to Côte d'Ivoire. This drum, looted during a colonial military campaign in 1916, symbolizes not only the cultural heritage of the Ebrie tribe but also the broader reconciliation process between France and its former colonies. The three-meter-long drum served as a crucial means of communication for the Ebrie people,…

Gabon Suspends Social Media Amid Rising Tensions Gabon’s media regulator has announced a sweeping suspension of all social media platforms, a drastic measure attributed to the escalating conflict and deepening societal divisions within the country. This decision reflects the government's increasing scrutiny of online content, deemed damaging to public order. In a televised statement, the High Authority for Communication highlighted several factors leading to the suspension, citing the pervasive spread of false…

Cambridge University to Return Benin Bronzes to Nigeria In a significant step towards restorative justice, Cambridge University plans to return approximately 100 Benin bronzes to Nigeria, following a formal request from Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in 2022. This action is part of a growing movement in the UK and Europe aimed at addressing the historical injustices related to colonial artifacts. The Benin bronzes, a collection of intricately designed metal plaques and sculptures, were…

South African singer Tyla has won her second Grammy, taking the Best African Music Performance award for "Push-to-Start," a track from her debut album, the Recording Academy announced Monday. The victory makes Tyla the first artist to win the category twice after her 2024 win for the global hit "Water." The award caps a rapid rise for the Johannesburg-born performer, whose blend of pop, R&B and South African township sounds has found a wide international audience. The Recording Academy recognized "Push-to-Start" amid a…

Trump says Kennedy Center to close for two years for ‘complete rebuilding’ starting July 4 President Donald Trump said he will temporarily close Washington’s Kennedy Center for roughly two years beginning July 4 — the nation’s 250th anniversary — to undertake what he called a “complete rebuilding” of the landmark performing arts complex. The plan, announced on his Truth Social platform, is subject to approval by the center’s board, which Trump now chairs and has handpicked. “I have determined that the fastest way to bring…

Fela Kuti: A Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for the Afrobeat Legend Legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is set to make history as the first African artist to receive a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, nearly three decades after his death. The Recording Academy announced that Fela is being honored for his significant contributions to modern Nigerian Afrobeats and for inspiring countless global artists. His radical blend of politics, performance, and pan-African groove continues to…