Singer-actress Selena Gomez and music producer Benny Blanco were married on September 27, 2025, in a private outdoor ceremony in California, the couple announced via social media.

The nuptials were held at a secluded estate in Santa Barbara County, attended by a close circle of family and celebrity guests, including Taylor Swift, Martin Short, Steve Martin and Ed Sheeran.

Gomez wore a custom Ralph Lauren bridal gown, and Blanco was outfitted in a classic black tuxedo from the same designer.

Gomez and Blanco’s romantic relationship evolved from their long-standing professional collaboration: they first worked together in 2015 and went public with their romance in late 2023. Blanco proposed in December 2024.

In her social media announcement, Gomez shared a series of Polaroid-style images capturing moments from the ceremony, including an intimate embrace and the couple’s first dance. Blanco commented under the post, “My wife in real life.”

PHOTOS Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco

Lagos to the world! Last night, Global Citizen Festival turned into an Afrobeats takeover when Ayra Starr pulled the ultimate surprise bringing out Rema mid set.

The crowd LOST it as the duo lit up the stage with an electrifying performance of Rema’s mega-hit “Calm Down.”

Fans sang every lyric, phones shot up in the air, and social media went WILD, instantly crowning the pair as the night’s highlight.

Fashion? On point. Energy? Unmatched. Chemistry?

Ayra and Rema didn’t just perform… they OWNED the festival. X formerly Twitter and Instagram are already dubbing it the Afrobeats shut-down of the year.

One fan screamed: “This is history! Afrobeats is running the world now!!”
Another joked: “At this point, Global Citizen should just rename it Global Afrobeats Festival.”

No lies detected. With moments like these, Ayra Starr and Rema are proving they’re not just stars they’re GLOBAL icons.

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Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar, representing Kwara North Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committees on Trade & Investment and Rules & Business, has urged young Africans to take the lead in driving the continent’s trade and investment future under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Africa and Middle East Senate Association (AMESA) Summit hosted by Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Abuja, Senator Umar commended JCI’s global role in raising leaders and promoting active citizenship.

He emphasized Africa’s demographic advantage, stating:

“With 1.4 billion people and 60% under the age of 25, Africa holds the key to the future of global trade and innovation.”

Referencing World Bank statistics, Umar highlighted that AfCFTA could lift 30 million Africans out of poverty and increase incomes by $450 billion by 2035, provided countries commit to cross-border collaboration, trade missions, and youth-driven entrepreneurship.

On Nigeria’s role, he described the nation as a “gateway for investment and innovation”, citing its 220 million population, dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, and recent policy reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He further noted that Nigeria’s fintech sector has attracted over $2 billion in foreign investment within the last five years.

The Senator urged African governments and businesses to prioritize agriculture, renewable energy, digital trade, and infrastructure, stressing that trade must be viewed beyond goods and services.

“Trade is not just about goods and services; it is about the movement of ideas, opportunities, and hope,” he declared.

Senator Umar closed by reaffirming the Nigerian Legislature’s commitment to policies that unlock Africa’s untapped potential, challenging young Africans to lead with integrity, innovation, and service.

THE JCI AMESA SUMMIT – WAZOBIA 2025

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Africa and Middle East Senate Association (AMESA) Summit 2025 officially opened in Abuja, bringing together leaders and changemakers from across the continent and beyond.

The four-day summit, themed “Rediscovering Africa’s Untapped Potential Through Regional Collaboration & Partnerships,” runs from September 18 to 21, 2025.

Organizers say AMESA 2025 promises to be a transformative event, serving as a platform for influential figures to drive progress, explore opportunities, and shape the future of Africa and the Middle East through united efforts and strategic cooperation.

Throughout the summit, participants will engage in dynamic discussions, exchange best practices, and build actionable frameworks aimed at fostering sustainable development, regional integration, and stronger partnerships.

PHOTOS FROM THR OPENING CEREMONY

Nigerian Afrobeats singer Naira Marley faced a tense moment during his concert in Benin Republic when an angry fan stormed the stage in what appeared to be an attempted attack.

Eyewitnesses said the fan, believed to be a supporter of the late singer Mohbad, rushed at Marley mid-performance before security quickly intervened. The incident briefly disrupted the show but Marley later returned to continue his set.

The intrusion has reignited public debate over Marley’s alleged involvement in Mohbad’s death in 2023. Although Marley was cleared in court of accusations linking him to the tragedy, the episode underscores lingering anger among some fans who remain unconvinced of his innocence.

Mohbad, a former signee of Marley’s Marlian Music label, died under controversial circumstances in September 2023. His death sparked nationwide protests and widespread accusations of abuse and intimidation within the industry.

Saturday’s concert clash highlights the ongoing tensions between Marley’s supporters and Mohbad’s loyal fan base, two years after the late singer’s passing.

However Naira Marly posted the video on his X handle clarifying that he was never attacked rather that the fan was aggressive.

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Malawi witnessed a historic night on 6 September 2025, as the Echoes of Greatness concert marking 20 years of Nyau Music by its architect Tay Grin came to life in spectacular fashion. The electrifying show featured global icons Wizkid and Awilo Longomba, alongside the Malawian powerhouse himself.

Wizkid Brings the Heat

For many attending, Wizkid’s performance was the highlight of the night. The Nigerian Afrobeats superstar didn’t just perform he “shutdown” the stage, infusing the venue with unmatched energy and affirming his status as one of Africa’s most formidable entertainers. Although detailed setlists aren’t available yet, the crowd’s cheers and online reactions spoke volumes about the magnetic display.

Tay Grin’s Vision Comes to Fruition

Behind this monumental night was Tay Grin, Malawi’s proud Tourism and Cultural Ambassador, whose diligent networking and international exposure paved the way for this moment. Amidst Malawi’s fiscal challenges, his partnerships—and government-supported role helped secure the necessary foreign exchange and resources to bring Wizkid and Awilo to Malawi.

Awilo Longomba: A Legendary Presence and Redemption Arc

The legendary Congolese soukous maestro Awilo Longomba, who shares a collaborative track “Combien” with Tay Grin, also graced the stage. His presence symbolized Malawi’s creative and cross-border reach though some fans recall his 2023 no-show controversy and are watching keenly to see if this performance marks a redemptive moment.

A Night That Redefined Malawi’s Stagecraft

Media outlets celebrated the performance as a bold statement in Malawi’s entertainment evolution. From skeptics questioning event logistics and forex to now chanting for more this concert transcended mere performance; it was a testament to cultural ambition and pride.

Wizkid didn’t just perform he owned the night at the Echoes of Greatness concert, delivering a memorable, headline-worthy experience. It was more than music; it was Malawi stepping confidently onto the global stage thanks to vision, flair, and the unifying power of sound.

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