Entertainment
Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ Achieves 7X Platinum in U.S
Since its release in 2022 as a lead single from Rema’s debut album ‘Raves & Roses,’ ‘Calm Down’ has achieved immense global success. The remix featuring Selena Gomez has sold 7 million units in the United States, earning a 7-time platinum plaque from the RIAA, making it the most commercially successful African song in the U.S. This milestone follows its achievement as the first African song to surpass a billion streams in the country, marking a significant moment for both Rema and Nigerian music.
‘Calm Down’ spent over 52 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 3, the highest for a Nigerian song and the second highest for an African song, just behind Hugh Masekela’s 1968 hit ‘Grazing In The Grass.’ The track holds multiple records, including the most-streamed Afrobeats song on Spotify with over a billion streams, and over 2 billion streams across all versions. It is also the most-viewed Nigerian music video on YouTube with over 928 million views. With its 7X platinum status, Rema is edging closer to potentially becoming the first African artist to achieve a diamond-certified song in the U.S. Following ‘Calm Down,’ Rema released the EP ‘Ravage’ and his sophomore album ‘HEIS’.
The long-awaited trial in the murder case of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur has reached a major development, with Duane “Keffe D” Davis sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on October 13, 2026.
Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in August 2026 for his role in orchestrating the 1996 killing. Tupac was shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later.
During the sentencing, the judge addressed Davis, rejecting his claims that he had changed his life and moved on from his past. “Mr. Davis, for three years, I’ve heard you say some variation of the same thing to law enforcement, [in interviews], in your book, and it’s something like, ‘Yeah, I was involved in this, but I’m different. I’ve moved on. I got out of Compton. I’m a grandfather now.’ I’m here to tell you that’s not how this works,” the judge said.
She continued “You don’t get to take a man from his family. You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.
“The world never forgot about him and his death, and neither did Las Vegas. It took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on Sept. 7, 1996.”
Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has reflected on how his perception of YouTube movies has changed over the years. The actor recalled that there was a time when he looked down on movies released on YouTube.
However, he now appreciates the opportunities they have provided for his career and joked that he might have struggled financially if he had continued to dismiss them.
Sharing his thoughts in a post on X, Egbuson wrote “Can’t believe I was looking down on YouTube movies at some point. Hunger go don kpai me by now.”
Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has advised young people who are still living with their parents not to rush into moving out because of peer pressure.
The singer encouraged young people to focus on their personal circumstances rather than compare their lives with those of others. He noted that there is no need to leave their parents’ homes simply because they want to feel independent.
Sharing his advice, Dakolo said “No hurry, leave your papa house because of peer pressure. Forget all that, ‘I don’t have my freedom here.’”
Judge Tells Duane Davis He Must Face Justice for Tupac’s Murder
Timini Egbuson Reflects on Embracing YouTube Movies in Nollywood
