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Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news stories…

1. TI Blaze announced as Apple Music’s Up Next artist for Nigeria

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A post shared by ᴅᴀɴɢᴇƦᴏᴜs?ᴡᴀᴠʏ-ʙᴀʙʏ (@ti_blaze_)

On Thursday, March 10, Apple Music announced the latest featured artist in its Up Next emerging artist program in Nigeria, as Afrobeats singer-songwriter, TI Blaze (real name Abiodun Timilehin). “It’s almost unbelievable that a kid from the streets can achieve such heights in such little time. Feels good to say the least that Apple Music is recognizing a boy from the trenches,” he said.

As the newest Up Next act to be spotlighted in Nigeria, TI Blaze will be featured on Apple Music’s Up Next playlist. The curated Up Next playlist features a dynamic class of new and emerging artists, thoughtfully hand-picked by Apple Music editors from around the world. The playlist is genre agnostic and represents a line-up of artists the global editors are passionate about and eager to expose to a larger audience.

2. Jussie Smollett sentenced to 150 days in jail

NOW – Jussie Smollett sentenced to 150 days in jail and 30 months of probation for lying to police and staging hate crime.pic.twitter.com/d2vHelSBoz

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 11, 2022

Actor Jussie Smollett has been sentenced after being convicted of lying to police about a hate crime. The 39-year-old was sentenced to 150 days in the Cook County Jail. He’ll also have to pay $130,000 in restitution, spend 30 months on probation during which time he’ll be able to leave the state of Illinois. Prior to delivering his sentencing, Cook County Judge James Linn labeled Smollett “profoundly arrogant, selfish, and narcissistic” for lying to investigators. “You’re just a charlatan,” he added. “You’re now a permanently convicted felon. Your very name has become an adverb for lying. You’re the butt of jokes.”

After learning of his sentence, Smollett lowered his mask and said he’s “not suicidal” and proclaimed his innocence. ”I am innocent, and I am not suicidal,” he said as he began to stand. “I stuck my fist in the fears of the Black community and the fears of the LGBT community.” Judge Linn also ordered that Smollett’s sentence begin immediately as he was led out of the courtroom by law enforcement.

3. South Africa: Ayanda Thabethe and her sister Lungi launch makeup line

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Media personality Ayanda Thabetheand her sister, YouTuber and makeup artist Lungile Thabethe, pulled out all the stops at the launch of their makeup line in collaboration with Mr Price. The white and champagne colour themed event was nothing short of luxury as they popped bubbles to celebrate the occasion. Expectant mother Ayanda took to Instagram to announce their joint project.

“Today my sister @lungilethabethe and I introduce to you our brainchild. A makeup brand created with you in mind in partnership with @mrpfashion. QuickFace is a seven-step beauty range designed to simplify your makeup routine and give you the ultimate soft glam look in one bag on the go. We hope you love it as much as we enjoyed creating it for you,” she wrote.

Lungile, affectionately known as “Lungi” among her followers, has collaborated with other brands and was announced as head makeup artist for Mr Price’s first beauty brand Scarlet Hill, but this is the first time she has her own brand with the brand.

4. Former Zambian President Banda dies at 85

It is with deep sadness that we learned today of the demise of Zambia’s 4th Republican President, H.E Rupiah Bwezani Banda. As we pray for the bereaved family, we know that the Lord will wrap them in His arms and comfort them. MHSRIP #RIPRBB#Zambiapic.twitter.com/nF3S7FOPn5

— Hakainde Hichilema (@HHichilema) March 11, 2022

Rupiah Banda, who was Zambia’s president from 2008 to 2011, has died at the age of 85 after suffering from colon cancer. “His life of service to our country, and to our continent, represents the highest form of patriotism,” President Hakainde Hichilema said. Mr Banda, a former diplomat, was serving as vice-president when, in 2008, President Levy Mwanawasa suffered a stroke and later died. He then took office, becoming the country’s fourth president, and won the subsequent election. But he stepped down in 2011 after losing that year’s poll to Michael Sata. Mr Banda was widely praised at the time for accepting defeat, rather than challenging the result.

His time in office was dogged by corruption allegations and in 2013 he was arrested after being accused of stealing millions of dollars. He denied the accusations, describing them as being part of a witch hunt, and was never convicted.

5. Oshoala crowned Spanish champion with Barcelona after Real Madrid demolition

Beautiful Day to win the league at home ?????❤️ @FCBfemeni

— ASISAT M.O.N (@AsisatOshoala) March 13, 2022

Asisat Oshoala has won a third Spanish league title following Barcelona’s 5-0 triumph over Real Madrid on Sunday. A brace from Alexia Putellas and goals from Patri Guijarro, Jenni Hermoso and Babett Peter ensured the Blaugranes clinched the 2021-22 Primera Division title with six games to spare. Heading into the encounter, the Whites were 27 points behind Barca but they were unable to halt the rampaging hosts in the entertaining fixture.

Interestingly, Barcelona have now won the domestic title in Spain three years in succession – winning all 24 of their games in the ongoing season. Although Oshoala was not listed for action at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, she played a crucial role in Giraldez’s side’s success. Prior to the fixture, she went on social media to motivate her teammates: “Beautiful Day to win the league at home,” the former Arsenal and Liverpool star tweeted.

Featured image: ti_blaze_ / Instagram

Our Week Day News Digest brings you a summary of five of the hottest news topics across the world––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 2022.

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