South African Khosi Twala Wins #BBTitans – Walks Home With $100k
South African contestant Khosi has emerged as the victorious housemate of the inaugural season of Big Brother Titans following an exhilarating 78 days in the house. With her win, she has become $100,000 richer, with lots of additional prizes.
The first runner-up was a Nigerian and fan-favourite, Kanaga (Jnr), an actor and model.
Davido’s Latest Album ‘Timeless’ Gets One Million Streams In Six Hours
Afrobeat superstar Davido’s much-awaited album, ‘Timeless’, amassed one million streams on Boomplay just six hours after it was released on the streaming platform. The album is currently the No. 1 album on Nigeria’s Top Albums Chart and U.K.’s Top Albums Chart, as well as in 17 other countries on Apple Music.
Malaysia’s Parliament ends the death penalty
Malaysia’s Parliament has voted to scrap the mandatory death penalty and reduce the number of offences punishable by hanging, saying capital punishment as a deterrent had not lowered crime. The Parliament also voted to end life sentences, reducing them to 30 to 40 years in prison.
The proposed bills were debated by both the government and opposition lawmakers before being passed unanimously through a voice vote.
Dior hosts a landmark runway show in Mumbai
For the first time ever, Dior hosted its Pre-Fall 2023 collection in Mumbai at the historic Gateway of India monument. The collection included pieces that referenced traditional Indian silhouettes and had embroidered embellishments by Chanakya, a Mumbai-based atelier.
While a few major Western brands have hosted one-off shows in India — Pierre Cardin in 1967, Yves Saint Laurent in 1989 and Valentino in 2004 among them — Dior is the first to include the country in one of its regular seasonal schedules. “I am doing this show for love of this country and how much they support my creativity. It is really something very personal,” said Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Naomi Campbell Partners With BMW to Release First XM Model
Naomi Campbell and BMW have aligned their iconic brands to release the world’s first high-performance car with M HYBRID drive.
BMW has tapped Campbell to help promote its “Dare to Be You” campaign as part of the BMW XM launch. As part of the launch, Campbell will release an “extravagant high-performance” model in 2023.
“The BMW M slogan, ‘Dare to be You,’ immediately appealed to me because it describes exactly the confident attitude that is necessary for progress and positive change,” Campbell said.
According to BMW, Campbell’s influence on design and aesthetics helped influence the brand’s next set of projects. Campbell also took to Instagram to share a video promoting the new luxury vehicle. The veteran supermodel stood in front of the “electrified M Power” car while sporting baggy blue jeans and a white tank top.
Donald Trump arrested
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been formally arrested after his arrival at a New York courthouse, where he will become the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges. He faces charges over hush money payments made to a porn actress just ahead of the 2016 presidential election. This is the first time in history that a former American president is facing criminal charges. Trump did not wear handcuffs but will have his fingerprints taken. It is unclear whether his mugshot will be taken.
Burna Boy will be the first Nigerian to headline a U.S. stadium
Burna Boy will make history come July when he becomes the first Nigerian artist to headline a U.S. stadium. His July 8-dated show at NYC’s Citi Field marks another major stadium date in the Afro-fusion superstar’s Love, Damini world tour, which includes future stops at Paris La Defense, London Stadium and Gelre Dome in Amsterdam.
Just last April, the “Last Last” singer became the first Nigerian act to headline Madison Square Garden for his concert that was billed “Burna Boy Presents One Night in Space.”
Nike Arts commissions new gallery in the city of Abuja
Nike Art Gallery opened its doors to art lovers and enthusiasts in Abuja, Nigeria. It is a new addition to the brand’s existing galleries and promises to be a hub for art lovers to engage with contemporary African art. The gallery showcases a diverse range of artworks from emerging and established artists, and it is a platform for artists to showcase their works and connect with a broader audience. The gallery owner Nike Okundaye is a prominent Nigerian artist, curator, and textile designer who has made a name for herself in the art industry through her vibrant and colourful works of art. Her art is a fusion of traditional and contemporary African styles, and she has been recognized globally for her contribution to the art world.
Forbes Africa releases annual 30 under 30 list
Forbes Africa has released its annual 30 Under 30 list, celebrating the achievements of exceptional young entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders under 30. Dubbed “The Newest Self-Made Young Innovators and Leaders Scripting a New Vision for Africa,” this year’s list, which features seven Nigerians recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of 30 “multi-tasking multi-hyphenate entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders” who are driving Africa’s progress on their own terms.
Australia bans TikTok on government devices
The Australian government has joined a growing list of countries to ban TikTok on government devices. Australia has joined other Western countries in banning the use of TikTok on government devices as the Chinese-owned video app comes under increasing pressure over claims it presents a security concern.