Entertainment
Blackpink’s Jennie and Lisa Make Solo Debuts at Coachella 2025
At the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Blackpink members Lisa and Jennie made history by performing as solo artists for the first time. This landmark moment not only celebrated their individual artistry but also highlighted the growing influence of K-pop on the global music scene.
Lisa’s Solo Debut
Lisa’s solo debut at Coachella was nothing short of electrifying. Performing her hit track “MONEY” from her debut solo album Alter Ego, Lisa commanded the stage with her signature style and high-energy performance. This appearance was especially significant as it marked her first live show since leaving YG Entertainment and signing with RCA Records.
For this performance, Lisa teamed up with acclaimed designer Asher Levine and stylist Brett Alan Nelson, creating two memorable outfits that matched her evolving image. One look was an edgy, reptilian-inspired bodysuit covered in iridescent black scales and sharp spikes, embodying power and strength. Meanwhile, the second outfit took a softer, more ethereal turn, with glowing elements and pastel colors inspired by bioluminescent flora, reflecting a more mystical side of Lisa’s persona.
Jennie’s Solo Moment
Jennie, known for her solo single “Solo” released in 2018, returned to Coachella to perform tracks from her highly anticipated debut solo album Ruby. Released in March 2025, Ruby features collaborations with a stellar list of artists, including Childish Gambino, Doechii, Dominic Fike, FKJ, Dua Lipa, and Kali Uchis. Also, the album explores themes of love, fame, and personal growth, showcasing Jennie’s versatility as an artist.
Additionally, her Coachella performance was a captivating display of her artistry, blending her rap and vocal skills with an intimate connection to the crowd. Rosé and Lisa were present to support and cheer up Jennie. Jennie’s ability to evolve as a performer was evident in every note, as she confidently took on the challenge of owning the stage solo.
K-pop’s Rising Influence at Coachella
The solo performances of Lisa and Jennie were a clear reflection of the growing presence of K-pop at Coachella. Their appearances were part of a larger movement, with other K-pop groups like ENHYPEN and XG also taking the stage. The inclusion of these acts at one of the world’s most prestigious music festivals only reinforces the global appeal of K-pop and its increasing mainstream success.
Blackpink’s presence at Coachella isn’t new; the group made history in 2019 as the first female K-pop act to perform at the festival and became the first K-pop group to headline Coachella in 2023. Their solo performances this year add another milestone to their groundbreaking journey.
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
