Entertainment
Yvonne Chaka-Chaka Condemns Xenophobia In S’Africa
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have been going on for a while now as local citizens’ clamour for foreigners to leave the country. South African public figures are now joining hands to strongly condemn the attacks that have left at least five people dead in the past week alone.
The recent spate of the xenophobic attacks seem not to be targeting only foreigners as legendary songbird, Yvonne Chaka-Chaka found herself on the receiving end of the attacks after her daughter’s shop in Maboneng, Johannesburg was destroyed over the weekend by xenophobic looters.
According to the veteran singer, her daughter and staff at the store were inside the shop when the looters attacked. However, they were not harmed as they did not confront the attackers. “They stole everything, all the clothes and everything in the shop. Even the mannequins are on the floor. It is terrible. There was a lot of damage.” Yvonne said.
“She is fine. It is very sad but we are just glad she and her staff are safe. It is a very big blow.”
Ma Yvonne, as she is fondly referred to in her home country, condemned the attacks that she says are portraying South Africans in a shameful negative light.
“You try to help other people and do your best for the community, but when something like this happens it is very disappointing. You travel to different countries but when something like this happens, you feel very ashamed as a South African.” She said as she pointed out that South Africans had the strong spirit of Ubuntu: “South Africans have lived with different nationalities and supported other nations. It is sad to see this because I know South Africans are good people.”
The veteran singer and humanitarian joined the list of South African public figures who have come out to strongly condemn the xenophobic attacks.
America based South African comedian Trevor Noah echoed the words of opposition politician, Julius Malema, reproving the attacks. In a video post shared by the celebrated comedian, the Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) leader calls on South Africans to cease the barbaric acts. He goes on to warn that once done with those they deem foreigners, the attackers will turn on fellow South Africans as it is only a myth that foreigners have stolen job opportunities from the locals.
“They’re going to say, ‘The reason we don’t have jobs here, is because of these Zulus. They must go back to Natal. Xhosas must go back to Eastern Cape, Shangaans must go back to Limpopo.’ Because there will be no foreigners left to fight.” Malema opined.
South African socialite and dancer Zodwa Wabantu also boldly slammed the attacks calling the looters “our lazy brothers and sisters.” The controversial entertainer called on her fellow South Africans to stop hiding in the guise of xenophobia to rob hardworking citizens.
“As South Africans, this is so wrong. This is not xenophobia; this is not about us hating our brothers and sisters from other countries. This is people taking things from people who are working hard. I hate it,” Zodwa said.
The attacks are said to be instigated by the need to address the uneven distribution of wealth among black South Africans and the disenfranchised natives protesting the increasing number of African migrants who they claim are taking over local jobs.
Spotify yesterday revealed a significant surge in heartbreak song streams in Nigeria during the Valentine’s Day season, with a 626 percent increase between 2022 and 2024.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Lagos, Nigeria by Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu.
Okumu said, “Spotify data reveals a surprising trend, a massive surge in heartbreak song streams.
“Nigerians are turning to their playlists to express their emotions, with a staggering 626 per cent overall growth in heartbreak streams from 2022 to 2024.
“This Valentine, the sound of love is accompanied by the sound of heartbreak, and the data shows it’s louder than ever before.”
She said on Valentine’s Day, most surprisingly, male listeners streamed heartbreak songs at a significantly higher rate than female listeners, with a 362 per cent increase compared to 169 per cent among women.
“This could suggest that men resonate with the feeling of heartbreak more and turn to music as a private outlet for processing emotions.
“Whatever the reason, one thing is clear, when love is in the air, so is heartbreak and Nigerian men are pressing play on their pain more than expected.
“While Valentine’s Day is often celebrated with grand gestures, heartbreak is a common theme on Valentine’s Day -more than what’s publicly shown,” she said.
Nigerians will join their counterparts across the world to mark the 2025 Valentine’s today.
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has joined MLS side San Diego FC’s ownership group as a club partner.
SDFC announced today that Tems joined the ownership group through her company, The Leading Vibe.
In the process, Tems became the first African woman to be involved in MLS ownership.
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a club partner,” SDFC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said in a statement.
“Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which, of course, has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organisation.”
Reacting to her addition as the latest partner in SDFC’s ownership group, the singer said: “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community.
“Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”
Fashion and beauty entrepreneur, Toyin Lawani, has claimed she is enduring back pain and that her spine is degenerating.
Lawani revealed this in a video posted on social media last Tuesday.
In the clip, she opened up about her experience with epidural anesthesia, an injection administered to pregnant women in the spine to reduce pain during childbirth.
The mother of three claimed that since receiving the injection, she has not felt like herself.
She accused doctors of not fully informing women about the long-term side effects of epidurals.
According to Lawani, she received the anesthetic injection during the birth of her last two children.
She said, “When you hear ‘epidural,’ run. Doctors tell you about the side effects but do not tell you about the long-term effects on your body. I have about three friends having the same issues that I am having.
“Like, I am just 42, how did I end up with spine issues? I have a degenerating spine. I have implants in my spine. I go paralyzed. I can’t stand for a long time. I can’t even breathe properly sometimes because it affected so many things in my body when I had the surgery.
“They will not tell you because you just want the pain to go away. I have had two epidurals. I had my first as natural birth. The last two were epidural. The last one I had epidural because I had to undergo a surgery and I had no choice.
“See, the pain does not stop. My back is killing me and my spine is degenerating.”