Queen Latifah’s biopic is officially in the works, Wizkid extends record as the highest RIAA-certified Nigerian artist with “Soco,” Daniel Dubois legitimizes world title reign. 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. Queen Latifah’s biopic is officially in the works
Queen Latifah’s biopic is in the works, produced by Will Smith. The film will follow the ascension of Latifah as the performer became a rapper, singer and actress who has won Emmy, Grammy and Golden Globe awards. More details here: https://t.co/lWBgHKnegk pic.twitter.com/QBAtz4atGd
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 19, 2024
A Queen Latifah biopic is officially in the works, marking the first project in a series of Hip Hop-based films produced by Flavor Unit Entertainment, Westbrook Inc., and Jesse Collins Entertainment. The announcement, made on September 19, highlights the collaboration between these powerhouse production companies, with the film focusing on the life and career of the Grammy-winning artist and actress. Queen Latifah, a trailblazer from New Jersey who broke barriers in both music and Hollywood, will produce the film alongside Shakim Compere (her longtime business partner), Will Smith, Miguel Melendez, Jesse Collins, and Charlie Mack. Financial backing for the project is being provided by HarbourView Equity Partners, though further details about the biopic and the rest of the series remain under wraps.
In a joint statement, Latifah and Compere expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing Hip Hop’s cultural impact and their shared journey in the industry. “It is a dream to be able to collaborate with friends and colleagues that have not only a shared understanding but are able to tell these stories that were the backdrop of our lives,” they said. Will Smith also praised the initiative, calling Queen Latifah an “undisputed legend” who has both entertained and inspired for decades.
2. Wizkid extends record as the highest RIAA-certified Nigerian artist with “Soco”
.@wizkidayo via RIAA:
• “Brown Skin Girl” — GOLD
• “Made in Lagos” (album) — GOLD
• “Call Me Every Day” — GOLD
• “Come Closer” — PLATINUM
• “One Dance” — 11X PLAT
• “Essence” — 4X PLAT
• “Mood” — GOLD
• “Soco” — GOLDHe has sold 18.5M RIAA units across all credits 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/R0seoppgLe
— Wizkid Source (@WizkidSource) September 19, 2024
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Wizkid continues to solidify his dominance in the global music scene by extending his record as the most RIAA-certified Nigerian artist. The Grammy-winning singer, whose real name is Ayodeji Balogun, recently achieved another milestone as his hit song “Soco” received a gold certification in the United States, signifying 500,000 units sold. This brings Wizkid’s total US certifications to eight, further cementing his position as the leading figure in Afrobeats internationally. Known for smash hits like “Essence,” which has gone 4x platinum, and his feature on Drake’s “One Dance,” which holds an impressive 11x platinum status, Wizkid’s international success continues to soar.
“Soco,” released under Wizkid’s Starboy label and featuring Ceeza Milli, Spotless, and Terri, was a major hit across the globe. The track not only introduced rising talents but also earned certifications in the UK, France, and Canada. With the latest RIAA gold certification, Wizkid expands his impressive catalog of international accolades, reaffirming his global impact as Afrobeats continues to gain recognition in mainstream music markets.
3. South Africa: Veteran actor Timmy Kwebulana dead at 83
SABC has learnt with sadness the untimely passing of Veteran Actor and Musician Timmy Kwebulana. He will be remembered for his talent and commitment to the craft.
Condolences to his family, friends and fans.#RIPTimmyKwebulana
Image: IMDb pic.twitter.com/hqoeVMddqm— SABC (@SABCPortal) September 20, 2024
Veteran musician, actor, and director, Timmy “Ngqungqumbana” Kwebulana has passed away, aged 83. The celebrated artist died on Thursday, September 19, following a short illness. Kwebulana, who was a prominent figure in South Africa’s entertainment industry for nearly six decades, was known for his contributions to both music and film. His family confirmed his passing in a statement, expressing their deep sorrow while also honoring his legacy. “We give thanks for his life and all his contributions to us as a family and the arts and entertainment industry for almost six decades,” the statement read.
Kwebulana, affectionately known as “Ngqungqumbana,” was a beloved figure not only for his creative talents but also for his dedication to uplifting the arts in South Africa. His roles as an actor and director left an indelible mark on the industry, and his music resonated with many. Fans and colleagues alike have expressed their condolences, remembering Kwebulana as a trailblazer whose influence will be felt for generations to come. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
4. Questlove announces documentary about music band Earth Wind & Fire
Questlove to Direct Earth Wind & Fire Documentary https://t.co/Jjxmg8FCTT
— Variety (@Variety) September 21, 2024
Grammy Award-winning musician and filmmaker Questlove has announced that he is directing the first official documentary on the legendary band Earth Wind & Fire. In a September 20 Instagram post, Questlove shared the news, just one day before the annual celebration of the group’s iconic hit “September,” marking the 21st of the month as an unofficial holiday for fans. The documentary will explore the band’s formation, musical evolution, and enduring legacy, featuring its original members Maurice White, Verdine White, Philip Bailey, and Larry Dunn. Over the decades, other influential bandmates such as Ralph Johnson, Al McKay, Roland Bautista, and Andrew Woolfolk also played pivotal roles in shaping Earth Wind & Fire’s sound.
While no specific release date has been revealed, the documentary is slated for 2025. The band members expressed their excitement, stating, “We look forward to this in-depth journey of our band, and are so excited to have Questlove directing the documentary.” Earth Wind & Fire’s founding member Maurice White passed away in 2016, with saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk and drummer Fred White also recently passing. Questlove, who won an Oscar for his 2021 directorial debut Summer of Soul, is poised to bring his acclaimed storytelling approach to this highly anticipated project, honoring the musical giants who helped shape the industry.
5. Daniel Dubois legitimizes world title reign
DANIEL DUBOIS HAS KNOCKED OUT ANTHONY JOSHUA!!! WHAT A PERFORMANCE!#JoshuaDubois #Boxingpic.twitter.com/By8gbt42rT
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 21, 2024
Daniel Dubois, once seen as a heavyweight champion without a defining victory, solidified his reign on Saturday with a career-defining knockout of Anthony Joshua. The 25-year-old from Greenwich showcased his youth, fearlessness, and unyielding determination in front of 96,000 fans, dismantling the former two-time world champion in just five rounds. Dubois had long claimed he was the “king slayer,” a title few took seriously until this shocking upset. Critics who had labeled him a “paper champion” after being upgraded from interim to world champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF belt were silenced as Dubois emphatically seized his moment.
The fight, held in a marquee event accompanied by a performance from musician Liam Gallagher, marked a turning point not only in Dubois’ career but also in the heavyweight division. For Joshua, the defeat may signal the end of his journey to become a three-time world champion, leaving his future in the sport in doubt. Dubois’ stunning victory has firmly established him as a legitimate force in the division, while the loss leaves Joshua at a career crossroads.
Featured Image: @queenlatifah/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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