Ayra Starr’s ‘Commas’ Makes History On Spotify

Ayra Starr’s “Commas” makes history on Spotify, reaching 40 million streams, Iran’s president, foreign minister, and others killed in helicopter crash, Tyson Fury loses to Oleksandr Usyk. 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’s “Commas” makes history on Spotify, reaching 40 million streams

JUST IN 🚨

Ayra Starr’s “Commas” is now the only Nigerian song released in 2024 to amass 40 MILLION streams on Spotify in less than 4 months of release! 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/R5sRMQoujL

— WeTalkSound (WTS) (@wetalksound) May 20, 2024

Nigerian pop princess Ayra Starr is celebrating a major milestone on Spotify. Her hit song, “Commas,” has become the only Nigerian song released in 2024 to surpass 40 million streams on the platform, achieving this feat in less than four months since its release. This news comes shortly after Starr’s impressive performance at the C6 festival in Brazil. The Mavin signee, whose real name is Aderigbigbe Oyinkansola, has been making waves in the Afrobeats scene, and “Commas” is a testament to her rising global popularity.

The song’s success extends beyond Spotify. “Commas” also reached number 10 on the Billboard US Afrobeats charts a few days ago, solidifying its place as a major hit. Bigragee is credited with producing the infectious track.

2. Iran’s president, foreign minister, and others killed in helicopter crash

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and FM Hossein Amirabdollahian have been confirmed dead after the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in the country’s East Azerbaijan province.

🟠 Follow our LIVE coverage: https://t.co/g9L2LeuQYN pic.twitter.com/BPdJZ4c8EL

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 20, 2024

President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and several other officials perished in a helicopter crash on Sunday. The incident occurred in a mountainous region of northwestern Iran, with dense fog hampering search efforts for hours. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Raisi, 63, was accompanied by the governor of East Azerbaijan province, Malek Rahmati, along with other unidentified officials and security personnel.

This tragedy comes at a critical time for the Middle East. Just last month, tensions flared between Israel and Iran, with the latter launching a significant drone and missile attack in response to Israel bombing its consulate in Damascus. The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has appointed First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as acting president and declared a five-day national mourning period.

3. South Africa: Prince Kaybee responds to ‘song theft’ claims 

Prince Kaybee Denies Stealing Botlhale Phora’s Song: Famous Afro House DJ Prince Kaybee has slammed claims that he stole Idols SA finalist Botlhale Phora’s song. Idols SA finalist Botlhale Phora shared a video… https://t.co/dm2ThLyLhq #BotlhalePhora #PrinceKaybee South Africa

— Ubetoo (@ubetoo) May 20, 2024

South African DJ and record producer Prince Kaybee is facing accusations of song theft from former Idols SA contestant Bothlale Phora. Phora alleges that he sent his song, “Ready,” to Kaybee in 2021 via email, TikTok, and Messenger, hoping for feedback. According to Phora, Kaybee then blocked him and released a song that sounded suspiciously similar.

Kaybee has strongly rejected the claims. In a social media post (since deleted), the DJ denied knowing the Idols SA contestant, insisting that he never received any communication from him. He also stated that he doesn’t use the email address Phora provided. Furthermore, Kaybee argues that the two songs are demonstrably different in key, structure, and melody.

“To say I stole the song is reaching really,” Kaybee wrote. He acknowledged Phora might have been inspired by his music but maintains there’s no basis for the theft accusation. The situation remains unresolved. Phora has yet to publicly respond to Kaybee’s denial, and there’s no word on whether he’ll pursue the matter further.

4. Acclaimed Nigerian artist Kehinde Wiley accused of sexual assault by Ghanaian artist Joseph Awuah-Darko

Joseph Awuah-Darko, acclaimed Curator, Collector, Artist, and Founder of Noldor Artist Residency in Ghana, has publicly accused renowned artist Kehinde Wiley of sexually assaulting him on two occasions, one on June 9, 2021, and another on an undisclosed date, via his Instagram on… pic.twitter.com/a2tDuE6GeU

— ghanaspora (@ghanaspora) May 19, 2024

Acclaimed Nigerian artist, Kehinde Wiley has been accused of sexual assault by fellow artist, Joseph Awuah-Darko. Awuah-Darko, a prominent figure in the Ghanaian art scene, took to social media on May 19 to allege that Wiley assaulted him twice during a dinner held in Wiley’s honor in Ghana in June 2021. Awuah-Darko claims the first assault occurred while he was escorting Wiley and another guest. He described the incident as “unwelcome groping” and stated it was witnessed by another person at the dinner. He further alleged a second assault occurred later that evening.

Wiley has denied the allegations, maintaining the encounter was consensual and brief. However, Awuah-Darko has stated his intention to pursue legal action. This accusation comes amidst the longstanding #MeToo movement, which has seen a surge of sexual misconduct allegations against powerful figures in various industries, including the art world.

5. Tyson Fury loses to Oleksandr Usyk after brutal knockdown in heavyweight unification fight

Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion! 🚨👑 pic.twitter.com/EScZhCK1N9

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) May 18, 2024

In a fight that will be remembered for years to come, Oleksandr Usyk pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Tyson Fury by a split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades. The electric atmosphere in Saudi Arabia crackled with anticipation as the two undefeated giants squared off. Fury, the heavy favorite due to his size and reach advantage, started strong, using his jab to control the early rounds. However, the Ukrainian southpaw, Usyk, never backed down. His exceptional footwork and sharp counter-punching kept Fury at bay.

The turning point came in the ninth round. Usyk unleashed a vicious left hook that sent Fury crashing into the canvas. The “Gypsy King” rose on shaky legs, forcing the referee to administer a standing eight count. Though Fury showed incredible grit to survive the round, the momentum had shifted decisively. Usyk continued to box brilliantly, using his speed and agility to frustrate Fury. While Fury landed some big shots in the later rounds, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit created by the knockdown. In the end, the judges awarded the fight 115-112 to Usyk, 113-114 to Fury, and 114-113 to Usyk, etching Usyk’s name in boxing history.

Featured Image: @ayrastarr/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.

For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_

— Read also