Ayra Starr teases possible Taylor Swift collaboration, Stormzy and Maya Jama break up, Chelsea open investigation into racist video posted by Enzo Fernandez. 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.
1. Ayra Starr teases possible Taylor Swift collaboration
Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr has shaken the world as she seemingly teased that Taylor Swift directed the video for her song “Woman Commando.” Starr took to social media to share a short video of her working out to the song off her second studio album, “The Year I Turned 21.” This unexpected collaboration between Ayra Starr and Taylor Swift marks the latter’s directorial debut for another artist. Previously, Swift has directed several of her own music videos, including the critically acclaimed “The Man,” and the whimsical “Fortnight.” Few details about the “Woman Commando” video have been revealed, but fans are eagerly speculating on what kind of visual treatment Swift will bring to Starr’s Afrobeat-infused anthem.
2. Stormzy and Maya Jama jointly announce their break up
Maya Jama and Stormzy have broken up 💔 Wishing them both the best 🥺
— PrettyLittleThing
British power couple Maya Jama and Stormzy have announced their separation in a heartfelt joint statement posted on social media on Wednesday, July 17. The news comes as a shock to fans who followed their on-again, off-again relationship for the past ten years. “We never thought we’d be the ones announcing a breakup,” Jama wrote on her Instagram story, “but for the sake of clarity and to allow ourselves space to move forward with peace, we thought it best to share this news.”
The couple, who began dating in 2014, went on to detail their rollercoaster romance. “We fell madly in love,” they wrote, “but ended up splitting in 2019. After five years apart, we decided to give it another try last August.” Despite their efforts to rekindle the flame, Jama revealed, “We recently decided to call it quits.” The statement concludes with an acknowledgment of their growth together: “We met so young and have both grown so much. We’ll always care for each other and wish each other nothing but happiness.” The cause for the split remains undisclosed.
3. South Africa: Shane Eagle and his partner welcome their baby
Congratulations are in order for Shane Eagle and his partner, artist and model Nicole Swartz, after they welcomed their first child. The rapper took to his timeline to share a glimpse of their daughter when announcing the news to his followers. “My most beautiful and greatest blessing, my baby daughter Gia, love you to the moon and back my lil’ crab. Being your father is the greatest gift of them all. I’ve never been in love like this before. God truly is gracious,” he wrote.
A hearty congratulations to the couple.
4. City Girls’ JT unveils “The City Cinderella Documentary” ahead of solo debut
City Girls rapper JT is pulling back the curtain on her journey with the release of her highly anticipated documentary, “The City Cinderella Documentary.” The documentary dropped on Wednesday, July 17, just two days before her debut solo mixtape, “City Cinderella,” hits the streets.
A trailer for the documentary was released earlier this week, offering a glimpse into JT’s life story. The clip features raw footage following her release from prison, her rise to fame with City Girls, and the creative process behind her solo project. “City Cinderella” itself is expected to showcase a new side of the rapper, and the documentary seems poised to provide the backstory and context for this artistic evolution.
5. Chelsea open investigation into ‘racist’ video posted by Enzo Fernandez
Why is Argentinian footballer Enzo Fernandez at the centre of a racism scandal?
Chelsea FC have begun disciplinary proceedings against their midfielder after he posted a video online that the French Football Federation said included an alleged “racist and discriminatory” chant.
— BBC News Africa
Chelsea Football Club has launched an internal investigation into midfielder Enzo Fernandez following his posting of a video deemed “racist and discriminatory” by the French Football Federation (FFF). The controversy stems from a live Instagram video shared by Fernandez after Argentina’s Copa America victory. The footage allegedly shows Fernandez and his teammates chanting a derogatory song targeting the French team, particularly its Black players. The FFF has condemned the video and announced plans to file a formal complaint with FIFA. Adding fuel to the fire, Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate, Wesley Fofana. reposted the video on social media with the caption “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”
Responding swiftly, Chelsea released a statement on Wednesday morning confirming the launch of disciplinary proceedings against Fernandez. The club emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, stating, “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behavior completely unacceptable.” Fernandez has since apologized, acknowledging the offensive nature of the lyrics and expressing regret for his participation. However, the damage appears to be done, with both FIFA and Chelsea pursuing further action.
Featured Image: @ayrastarr @taylorswift/Instagram
Our Weekday News Digest summarizes five of the hottest news topics worldwide–including celebrity news from Hollywood to Nollywood, the latest trending global headlines from American reports to top African news today, and the best sports stories in 2024.
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