The homes of rapper Diddy were raided as part of an investigation into sex trafficking.
Federal agents raided the houses of American musician Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles and Miami yesterday.
Viral videos from Monday, March 25, 2024, revealed agents from Homeland Security Investigations working out of the 17,000-square-foot house. The rapper was nowhere to be seen, but his boys were seen being led off the property in handcuffs.
The Federal Homeland Security Investigations agents and other law enforcement were searching the residences as part of an investigation into sex trafficking, two law enforcement officials told the Associated Press. The officials, however, lacked the authority to reveal specifics of the current probe in public. Furthermore, it was unclear if Combs was the investigation's primary focus.
People Magazine claims that Diddy flew from California to Antigua in a private jet. The aircraft was followed on Sunday night when it took off from Sacramento Executive Airport and touched down at Palm Springs International Airport approximately one hour later.
His plane took off from Palm Springs and landed at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles an hour later. The plane then took off from the airport in California on Monday morning and touched down in Antigua at around nine in the morning.
Diddy was seen pacing at the Miami airport following the raids, though it's still unknown if he was on the plane.
This all began when his ex-girlfriend Cassie accused him of sexual assault and frequent physical violence while they were dating. Cassie further claimed in the paper that his employees frequently saw the abuse.
His group settled out of court with Cassie while refuting the accusations.
Jonzing World unveils new artist, Bagetti
Jonzing World has proven to be a reliable pipeline for churning out sensational talents. After the impressive success of Rema and Ruger, D Prince's Jonzing World onboarded two new artists Gdzilla and Glorious to continue the label's fine record.
Before the unveiling, Bagetti's music had already created a significant impression around the industry. From meme sounds on IG and TikTok to radios and DJs, with each running a 30-second snippet of the song, everyone who got a peek into her talent was instantly captivated by the refreshing sound and her potential to become one of the stars whose music will shape the future of Nigerian music.
Ayomide Sanyaolu, known by her stage name "Bagetti," is an extraordinary Afrobeat artist from the vibrant cultural hub of Lagos State, Nigeria.
Her musical journey started in 2015, and ever since, she has been weaving soulful melodies and irresistible rhythms into her genre-defying music.
As Bagetti, she possesses a profound mission to be an agent of positive change and unity through her socially conscious lyrics. Her music is more than just a captivating sound; it's a catalyst for fostering understanding and celebrating the rich tapestry of human diversity.
Her vision for the future is clear: to inspire and uplift, to promote harmony and diversity, and to use the universal language of music to make a lasting impact.
Bagetti's journey has just begun, and her inspiring melodies will continue to resonate and inspire change worldwide.
Remembering Mr Ibu: A Tribute to a Comedy Icon
It's with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to the legendary Nollywood actor, Mr Ibu, who passed away after a courageous battle with illness. His indelible mark on the Nigerian entertainment industry will forever be cherished, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Mr Ibu, whose real name was John Okafor, rose to fame with his unique brand of comedy that brought joy and laughter to millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond. With his infectious humor and comedic timing, he captured the hearts of audiences and became a household name in the world of African cinema.
But behind the laughter, Mr Ibu faced his share of struggles. Despite facing numerous challenges in his personal life, including health issues that eventually led to the loss of both his legs, he remained resilient and determined to continue entertaining his fans.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mr Ibu starred in countless films and television series, earning accolades and recognition for his outstanding performances. His iconic roles will forever be etched in the memories of fans who grew up watching his movies.
Beyond his on-screen persona, Mr Ibu was known for his generosity and compassion towards others. He used his platform to advocate for social causes and lend a helping hand to those in need. Whether through his acting or philanthropic endeavors, he touched the lives of many and left a lasting impact on society.
As we mourn the loss of a beloved icon, let us celebrate the life and legacy of Mr Ibu. May his laughter continue to echo in our hearts, and may his spirit inspire us to always find joy in the face of adversity. Rest in peace, Mr Ibu, your legacy will live on forever.
Remembering a Nollywood Icon: The Legacy of Sisi Quadri
In the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria's entertainment industry, few figures shine as brightly as Sisi Quadri. With his unforgettable performances and larger-than-life persona, Sisi Quadri left an indelible mark on Nollywood that will be remembered for generations. As news of his passing reverberates through the industry and beyond, it's time to celebrate this iconic actor's life, challenges, and achievements.
Born into humble beginnings, Sisi Quadri navigated the often tumultuous waters of the Nigerian film industry with grace and resilience. His journey to stardom was not without its challenges, as he faced numerous obstacles along the way. Yet, through sheer determination and talent, he carved out a niche for himself in an industry known for its competitiveness.
Sisi Quadri's career spanned decades, during which he graced the screens of millions with his memorable performances. From comedic roles that left audiences in stitches to poignant portrayals of complex characters, Sisi Quadri showcased his versatility as an actor time and time again. His ability to inhabit a wide range of roles endeared him to fans across the country and earned him critical acclaim within the industry.
But Sisi Quadri's contributions to Nollywood extended beyond his work in front of the camera. As a mentor and role model to aspiring actors, he generously shared his wisdom and experience, nurturing the talents of the next generation. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to excellence set a high standard for all who followed in his footsteps.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sisi Quadri amassed a wealth of achievements and accolades. From award-winning performances to box office successes, his impact on the Nigerian entertainment industry was immeasurable. Yet, perhaps his greatest legacy lies in the hearts of those who knew him best – his colleagues, friends, and fans.
As we bid farewell to Sisi Quadri, we honour his memory and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. Though he may no longer grace our screens, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the stories he helped bring to life. Rest in peace, Sisi Quadri – your talent, passion, and dedication will never be forgotten.
Universal Music Group acquire Majority Stake in Nigerian Label Mavin Global
With musicians like Rema and Ayra Starr calling it home, the organisation is leading the way in Africa's Afrobeats trend, which has been taking the world by storm.
The renowned record label Mavin Global, created by Don Jazzy and is home to Rema, Ayra Starr, Crayon, and Ladipoe, was acquired by the Universal Music Group for a 75% interest. The firms stated that assuming regulatory approval, the merger should be finalised by the third quarter.
The agreement's terms were kept a secret. It was unclear whether publishing was included in the deal when Billboard reported in October that Shot Tower Capital was shopping Mavin at a valuation of more than $125 million, with a potential sale price of $150 million to $200 million. Don Jazzy, the CEO and founder of Mavin, and COO Tega Oghenejobo have entered into an investment agreement.
"Great artists, great entrepreneurs, and great people are our simple criteria for identifying partners," UMG chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge said in a statement announcing the agreement. We've found the perfect partners to expand within Don Jazzy, Tega, the Mavin Global crew, and their artist list. We're excited to have Mavin's talented musicians join the Universal Music Group family as they have helped to make Afrobeats a worldwide sensation.
With Rema's "Calm Down," the biggest Afrobeats song ever and the number three spot on the Hot 100 last year, initially released by Virgin Music and its remix featuring Selena Gomez licenced to Interscope, Mavin had already built a relationship with UMG. Meanwhile, Starr has a contract with Republic. Since its debut, "Calm Down" has received over 1 billion on-demand plays in the United States alone, with a much higher total number of plays worldwide.
According to a press release, the investment is intended to accelerate Mavin's global expansion. It specifically targets the company's Artist Academy, which develops its roster's musical and performance abilities, as well as its executive leadership team, which aims to develop the next wave of African leaders in the music industry.
Oghenejobo stated in a statement, "Given the diversity and potential of our business, we have a strong belief that they are the ideal partner for the next phase of our growth, especially with our proven history of collaborations within the UMG family."
Some of the top musicians and record companies in the world call UMG home, which makes them the ideal fit for our goals. We are committed to creating a dynamic creative atmosphere that elevates African music to new heights on the international scene, and we are doing so by working with UMG.
Winning the Mavin auction propels UMG farther into the Nigerian Afrobeats industry, which is an umbrella term for Afropop, Afro-fusion, high life, and other genres that are still exploding globally. Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy are just a few of the artists who have become international superstars in recent years. Meanwhile, fresh African talent is being spearheaded by artists like Rema, Starr, Tems, Tyla, Ckay, Asake, and Fireboy DML. The movement has gathered so much traction that the Recording Academy created a new category for the Grammy Awards called "Best African Music Performance." Tyla's song "Water" won in this category earlier this month.
Iwájú, Nigeria's first major animation series
Iwájú" is an original animated series set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. The captivating coming-of-age tale tracks Tola, a girl from the wealthy island, and her friend Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they navigate the secrets and perils of their disparate worlds. With the Official Trailer garnering 1.8M views on YouTube in just 6 days, this promises to be a must-watch for fans of animation and Disney. Scheduled for release on Feb 28, 2024, here's why I'm excited about it and at the same time worried.
Disney's venture into anime series is a significant step towards global storytelling diversity, offering Africa and Nigeria a chance for representation and international exposure. However, it's crucial to ensure it's not exploitative. Let's anticipate its impact beyond anime, potentially opening doors for games and more. Bookmark this for updates.
While we are celebrating this opportunity for Nigerians I hope we all have this in mind:
Pros.
1. Diverse Representation.
2. Global Exposure
3. Cultural Exchange
4. Opportunities for Local Talent
5. Economic Growth
Cons:
1. Risk of Cultural Appropriation
2. Potential Westernization
3. Limited Creative Control
4. Competition for Local Productions
5. Dependency on Foreign Investment
It's something we should all be sure we don't fall under the cons while enjoying the pros.
Watching Hamid Ibrahim, Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, and Tolu Olowofoyeku discussing this series as far back as 2022 shows the extensive groundwork that has been done. From the snippets I watched on YouTube, Femi Branch's voice stood out as perfect for the role. Disney's investment in PR is evident through my research. I hope this series will pave the way for more African representation in anime, especially in Nigeria, where we're leading in unexpected areas. It's Africa's time—from music to anime, movies, and sports. Let's seize this moment to create a better future for the generations to come. Don't forget to bookmark this “Iwaju” Feb 28.
Tyla made history: first Grammy nomination & first win
Tyla Wins Best African Music Performance, Beating Out Burna Boy, Davido, and Other Nigerian Stars
The song "Water" by the South African superstar beat the following: "Amapiano" by Asake & Olamide, "City Boys Miracle" by Burna Boy, "Unavailable" by Davido featuring Musa Keys, and "Rush" by Ayra Starr.
At this year's Grammy Awards, the fierce struggle for Nigerian Afrobeats musicians ended in disappointment when Tyla, a South African singer and songwriter, won the golden gramophone for Best African Music Performance.
Ayra Starr's "Rush," Davido with Musa Keys' "Unavailable," Burna Boy's "City Boys Miracle," and Asake & Olamide's "Amapiano" were all surpassed by the South African beauty's "Water."
Following Jimmy Jam's prize presentation during the awards premiere ceremony, the singer was shocked.
in her words she said “What the heck?!” she declared once on stage. “This is crazy, I never thought I’d say I won a GRAMMY at 22 years old.”
The pop song "Water," with an amapiano base, defied fierce competition to become the first single by a South African solo artist to reach the Billboard Hot 100 since Hugh Masekala in 1968.
She became the highest-charting African female solo performer in Billboard history when Water eventually peaked at No. 7. The song also reached the top of the Billboard US Hip-Hop/R&B and Afrobeats Songs charts.
During her winning speech, the 22-year-old called out her family, stating, "I know my mother's crying somewhere in here."
As the inaugural recipient of the Best African Music performance award, she created history in the newly established category that, according to Academy President Harvey Mason Jr., was designed to commemorate music from the continent of Africa.