A$AP Rocky makes musical guest debut on SNL, Singer L.A.X is engaged, Nigeria’s Super Eagles edge Egypt’s Pharaohs to win ninth AFCON bronze. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics…
1. A$AP Rocky makes SNL musical guest debut on SNL
A$AP Rocky made his musical guest debut on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) on January 17, taking the stage at Studio 8H for the first time during the Finn Wolfhard–hosted episode. The 37-year-old rapper kicked off his appearance with a performance of “Punk Rocky,” a track from his newly released album Don’t Be Dumb. Later in the night, Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, returned for a second set, delivering a high-energy medley of “Helicopter” and the album’s title track, marking a major moment in his long-awaited return to music.
In addition to his performances, Rocky also appeared in a comedy sketch alongside Wolfhard, 23, who joined a group of teen boys on a snack-themed podcast played by Chloe Fineman, Jane Wickline, Veronika Slowikowska, and surprise guest Sabrina Carpenter. Don’t Be Dumb, Rocky’s first studio album in eight years, was released on Friday, January 16, via A$AP Worldwide and RCA Records and features collaborators including Doechii, Gorillaz, Jon Batiste, and Tyler, The Creator. The album’s cover art was designed by filmmaker Tim Burton and depicts six of Rocky’s personas in his signature visual style.
2. Singer L.A.X is engaged
L.A.X & Ella are officially engaged! 💍💜
— NoteS.
Nigerian singer and songwriter Damilola Afolabi, popularly known as L.A.X, is engaged to his longtime partner, fashion entrepreneur Ella. The 32-year-old artist announced the news on Thursday via Instagram, sharing intimate moments from the romantic proposal, which took place at a quiet riverbank. With a bouquet in hand, the “Ginger” crooner reflected on key milestones in their relationship, including trips to Tanzania, celebrating Ella’s first birthday together as a couple, and the day he asked her to be his girlfriend on May 8, 2022. The post, captioned “To loving you forever,” captured Ella accepting the proposal, marking the next chapter for the couple after four years of dating.
Ella, 25, is the founder of Wall Flower Beauty, a fashion and beauty brand specializing in accessories, such as lip gloss, cream blush, and glow drops. L.A.X, known for his signature “Zaza Vibes” sound, a blend of afrobeats, house, and amapiano, first rose to prominence in 2013 with the Wizkid-assisted hit “Caro” under Starboy Entertainment. Since then, he has collaborated with artists, including Davido, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Black Sherif, and Konshens, while releasing charting records like “Ginger,” “PEPE,” “Sempe,” and “Go Low” under his Rasaki Music imprint. His 2023 project “No Bad Vibes” further expanded his global reach, leading to a 25-city European tour and appearances at Paris Fashion Week.
3. Iran’s supreme leader admits thousands were killed in protests
Khamenei Admits “Thousands” Killed in Recent Protests In a speech delivered today to a group of supporters, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei acknowledged that “several thousand people” were killed during the recent nationwide protests. Throughout his remarks, he repeatedly…
— Iranhrdc.org
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, acknowledged on Saturday that thousands of people were killed during more than two weeks of anti-government protests across the country, while placing blame squarely on U.S. President Donald Trump. In a nationally broadcast address, Khamenei accused Trump of “openly encouraging” the unrest by urging protesters to continue demonstrations and promising U.S. military support. Calling the president a “criminal,” the 86-year-old leader said Trump was responsible for both the casualties and widespread damage that followed protests sparked in late December by anger over Iran’s worsening economic conditions.
Khamenei did not address allegations of excessive force by Iran’s security services, despite reports from human rights groups describing live fire from rooftops targeting demonstrators. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that more than 3,000 people were killed, a figure Iranian officials have disputed. In his remarks, Khamenei characterized protesters as “rioters,” claiming they were either backed by foreign powers such as the U.S. and Israel or were young people manipulated into violence, while vowing accountability for both domestic and international actors. His comments came amid continued internet disruptions, mass arrests reportedly exceeding 24,000 people, and growing international concern over potential harsh punishments for those involved in the unrest.
4. Tyla covers Vogue China
tyla by kat irlin for vogue china ⋆⭒˚.⋆
— DUDA
Tyla has landed the cover of Vogue China, marking another major milestone in her rapid rise as a global pop and fashion force. For the high-fashion feature, the South African star stepped away from traditional couture in favor of a raw, rebellious aesthetic that underscores her effortless it-girl appeal. Shot against bold, minimalist backdrops, the cover highlights Tyla’s ability to command attention with ease, reinforcing her growing influence beyond music and into the international fashion space.
Styled by Alvin Yu, Tyla’s standout look features a tiny backless crop top paired with micro denim shorts defined by heavily distressed, ripped edges, a combination that blends streetwear edge with high-end polish. Knee-high black boots added a dose of diva energy, grounding the look with confidence and attitude. The shoot, captured by photographer Kat Irlin, leaned into a fresh, dewy glow created by makeup artist Ngozi Edeme, while Yusef Williams styled Tyla’s hair into a sleek bob and Pi Changnam delivered a clean, minimalist manicure. By making ripped shorts Vogue-worthy, Tyla once again proved that her signature “popiano” style can translate seamlessly across music, fashion, and global culture.
5. Nigeria’s Super Eagles edge Egypt’s Pharaohs to win ninth AFCON bronze
The Super Eagles take bronze. 🇳🇬
Watch the full penalty shootout between Egypt and Nigeria in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 third-place decider.
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a record-extending ninth Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal after edging Egypt’s Pharaohs 4–2 on penalties following a tense, goalless third-place play-off at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday. The highly anticipated clash between two of Africa’s most decorated teams produced no goals in regulation time, with both sides locked in an attritional battle that ultimately required a shootout to decide the winner. The result preserved Nigeria’s flawless record in AFCON third-place matches, as they have now won all eight play-offs they have contested.
After a first half disrupted by fouls and injuries, Nigeria had a 36th-minute goal by Akor Adams ruled out following a VAR review, while Egypt threatened through Mohamed Salah, whose close-range effort was saved by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The second half mirrored the first, defined by caution and physical duels despite attacking changes from both benches. In the penalty shootout, Nwabali emerged as the hero, saving spot-kicks from Salah and Omar Marmoush, before Ademola Lookman converted the decisive penalty to seal a 4–2 victory. The win ensured Nigeria finished third at the tournament for the ninth time overall, ending their campaign on a high, while Egypt were left to rue another narrow AFCON setback.
Featured image: @HipHopAllDay/X
Our Weekday News Digest brings you a curated selection of the most compelling stories from around the globe. This week, we delve into the latest celebrity headlines, from Hollywood to Nollywood, explore trending global news, and highlight the most exciting sports developments of 2026.
