Meghan Markle returns to Instagram with a new page, Olamide’s “Carpe Diem” makes history, hits 200 million streams on Spotify, and LeBron James makes more NBA history. 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. Meghan Markle returns to Instagram With New Page
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, kicks off 2025 by returning to Instagram with new video. pic.twitter.com/Ur5Gj94Mrg
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 1, 2025
Meghan Markle has officially returned to Instagram after a years-long hiatus, launching a new account under the handle @meghan. This marks her first independent social media presence since shutting down her personal account before marrying Prince Harry in 2018 and discontinuing posts on their joint account, @sussexroyal, in 2020. The Duchess of Sussex, who now resides in Montecito, California, shared an intimate first post on the page—a candid video filmed by Prince Harry at a local beach. The clip captures Meghan barefoot, joyfully running to the water and drawing “2025” in the sand, signaling a fresh start for her online presence.
According to sources, Meghan’s reentry to Instagram aligns with her and Harry’s commitment to fostering safer online spaces for young people and families. With over 100,000 followers before posting any content, the account quickly gained traction, reflecting the public’s enthusiasm. Her profile picture, a sleek black-and-white photo of the Duchess, replaces an earlier placeholder of pink flowers. Though the account has yet to receive verification, its authenticity has been confirmed.
2. Olamide’s “Carpe Diem” makes history, hits 200 million streams on Spotify
🚨YEAR-END RECORDS:@Olamide’s “Carpe Diem” became the first ever album by a Nigerian rapper to hit 200 MILLION streams on Spotify. pic.twitter.com/3YT0S4XLL9
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) December 30, 2024
Nigerian rap sensation Olamide has made history as his 2020 album “Carpe Diem” surpasses 200 million streams on Spotify, becoming the first album by a Nigerian rapper to reach this milestone. Released on October 8, 2020, the album’s enduring appeal highlights Olamide’s unique sound that fuses Yoruba musical elements with contemporary hip-hop and Afrobeats. Featuring hit tracks and collaborations with stars like Fireboy DML and Omah Lay, “Carpe Diem” continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
This groundbreaking achievement underscores Olamide’s influence and the growing prominence of Nigerian music on the global stage. Beyond his individual success, it is a testament to the rise of Afrobeats and the international embrace of African artistry. Olamide’s triumph with “Carpe Diem” not only elevates his legacy but also inspires future Nigerian artists to reach even greater heights.
3. SZA says new songs and mixes for “LANA” are coming in January
Just got word all updated mixes and new songs will be added Jan 6th when the label comes back from holiday. Sorry they can’t do it any sooner 🥹. Just wanted to keep yall in the loop ❤️Thank yall for your patience ❤️
— SZA (@sza) December 30, 2024
Fans of SZA have something to look forward to in the new year, as the R&B superstar confirmed on Monday, December 30, 2024, that updated mixes and new tracks for “SOS Deluxe: LANA” will arrive on January 6. Taking to Twitter, SZA explained the brief delay, attributing it to her label’s holiday break. Released earlier in December 2024, the deluxe version of her chart-topping album “SOS” includes collaborations with big names like Kendrick Lamar, Lil Yachty, Phoebe Bridgers, and Don Toliver, with the project reclaiming the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 for an impressive 11th nonconsecutive week.
The announcement comes after minor delays with LANA’s rollout, including SZA’s decision to rework mixes after the release. Fans have been eagerly speculating about the upcoming updates, fueled by teasers of unreleased tracks like “Take You Down,” “PSA,” and “Open Arms.” With 2025 shaping up to be a milestone year for SZA, including her acting debut in the Keke Palmer-led comedy “One of Them Days,” the artist continues to solidify her place as a multi-hyphenate powerhouse.
4. Tems’ “Love Me Jeje” tops Rolling Stone’s Top 40 Afropop Songs of 2024
Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Afropop songs of 2024 🌍
1️⃣ Tems – Love Me Jeje
2️⃣ Rema – Ozeba
3️⃣ Tyla, Gunna & Skillibeng – Jump
4️⃣ Aya Nakamura & Ayra Starr – Hypé
5️⃣ TitoM, Yuppe, Burna Boy & S.N.E, Tshwala Bam (Remix)
6️⃣Tiakola – Psychologique
7️⃣ Bensoul & Bien – Extra Pressure… pic.twitter.com/cHhiWI2qZW— 49th. (@the49thstreet) December 30, 2024
Nigerian artist Tems has claimed the top spot on Rolling Stone’s highly anticipated list of the Top 40 Afropop Songs of 2024 with her hit track “Love Me Jeje.” Described by curator Mankaprr Conteh as “sweet and sunny,” the song is a modern reimagining of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic, infused with Tems’ signature emotive lyrics and powerful vocals. The chart also features another Nigerian sensation, Rema, whose trendy and electrifying hit “Ozeba” secured the number two position. Ayra Starr’s “Lagos Love Story,” at number eight, adds to the Nigerian dominance in the top ten.
A total of 13 Nigerian artists made the list, showcasing the global impact of Afrobeats and the country’s rich musical tapestry. Highlights include Asake’s collaboration with Travis Scott on “Active” at number 11, Sarz’s “Happiness” featuring Asake and Gunna at number 14, and Tiwa Savage’s reflective “Forgiveness” at number 28. The list, curated by an international panel of music experts, celebrates the genre’s growing influence, emphasizing diversity, regional representation, and unique artistry.
5. LeBron James makes more NBA history
Tonight: LeBron will be the FIRST player to play a game as both a teenager and a 40-year-old in the NBA.
And he plays the Cavs… 🤯🐐 pic.twitter.com/91nC12UHLV
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 1, 2025
LeBron James has etched his name into NBA history once again, becoming the first player to compete in the league as a teenager and past 40. The milestone came on December 30, just after James turned 40, during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 122-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Crypto.com Arena. Despite the defeat, James delivered a solid performance with 23 points, further underscoring his longevity and excellence in his 22nd NBA season, a record he shares with Vince Carter. Widely celebrated as one of basketball’s greatest, James also holds the title of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a feat achieved in 2023.
James’ storied career, which began as an 18-year-old in 2003, includes four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and countless moments of brilliance. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers, led by Jarrett Allen’s 27-point effort, notched their eighth consecutive victory, maintaining their position atop the Eastern Conference. Elsewhere in the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to a comeback win against the Indiana Pacers, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40-point game extended the Oklahoma City Thunder’s winning streak to 12.
Featured Image: @diary.of.a.duchess/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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