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Spotify Launches Free Tier in South Korea, Unlocking K-Pop for All

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Spotify is removing barriers for South Koreans to access unlimited music from BLACKPINK, BTS, and more by launching a free tier in the country. Previously, only the Premium subscription was available since Spotify’s South Korean debut in 2021. Now, users in South Korea, the world’s seventh-largest music market, can enjoy the ad-supported free tier.

Spotify’s free service offers unlimited music streaming, though ads will play between songs, and some features, like audiobook access, remain exclusive to Premium. Spotify’s General Manager for Asia Pacific, Gautam Talwar, highlighted the potential for increased audience reach and artist revenue through this launch.

K-Pop’s popularity on Spotify has skyrocketed, with the ‘K-Pop ON!’ hub growing by 5,600% since 2015. While some advocate ending free streaming, Spotify continues to believe that it helps convert users to paid subscriptions.


 

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“He Loves Me” – Tiwa Savage Sparks Dating Rumours with Usher in London

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Photo source: Twitter

Nigerian Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage and American R&B legend Usher Raymond have set the internet buzzing after a recent appearance together in London sparked dating rumours. During Usher’s ‘Past Present Future’ tour stop at the O2 Arena, fans were thrilled when he brought Tiwa on stage as a surprise guest. The two performed her hit track ‘Somebody’s Son’, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Later at the afterparty, things got even more interesting when the duo joined in on the 30 Seconds Challenge. In a now-viral video, Usher asked Tiwa to freestyle, and she playfully dropped a line saying, “He loves me,” which sent fans into overdrive with speculation. “I’m a little drunk! But it’s alright… Usher, are you drunk enough? Listen, he loves me,” she sang, teasing the crowd and fueling even more rumours about the nature of their relationship.

Social media lit up with reactions, with many wondering if there’s more going on between the two than just music. This isn’t the first time they’ve shared the stage. In 2022, Usher also brought Tiwa out during his performance at the Global Citizen Festival in Accra, Ghana. As of now, neither of them has confirmed or denied the rumours.


 

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VDM Free From EFCC Custody but His Phone and Car Have Not Been Returned

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Photo source: Twitter

Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has revealed that social media critic VeryDarkMan is still without his phone and car, even after securing his release from EFCC custody. VeryDarkMan, who was detained last Friday, regained his freedom on Wednesday. He said the EFCC arrested him over suspicions of money laundering.

Speaking on the matter, Adeyanju confirmed that although there were no formal conditions attached to the bail, he personally guaranteed VDM’s availability whenever the commission needs him. However, the EFCC has yet to return his phone and car.

“His phone and car are still with them,” Adeyanju said. “But despite everything, I still have respect for the EFCC Chairman.” VDM’s arrest followed a visit to GTBank with his mother, where they had gone to report suspicious deductions from her account.


 

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Sowore Celebrates VeryDarkMan’s Release After ‘Unjust’ EFCC Arrest

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Photo source: Google

Martins Vincent Otse, better known to many as That Very Dark Man (VDM), has finally regained his freedom. This is after being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His release comes after days of public pressure, legal intervention, and strong advocacy from well-known voices in the human rights space.

Taking to his X account, activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore shared the news on Wednesday. He wrote, “Thanks to unrelenting efforts of all, @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at the @officialEFCC! He is with his ebullient lawyer, @adeyanjudeji. #RevolutionNow.”

VDM’s arrest started serious controversy, with many Nigerians questioning the reason behind his sudden detention. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, revealed that the EFCC failed to present any formal petition when they picked him up. He described the detention as unlawful and a clear abuse of power. According to Adeyanju, even senior legal figures spoke out. Figures like Femi Falana (SAN) reached out repeatedly to the anti-graft agency in a bid to secure VDM’s release.

While the EFCC eventually admitted to detaining VDM, they claimed the move was in response to multiple petitions. Adding that he was allegedly involved in financial misconduct. Also, they also denied that his arrest had anything to do with his online activism or criticism of their operations.

That explanation, however, did little to calm the storm on social media where many Nigerians viewed his arrest as an attack on freedom of expression.

VDM is popular for his outspoken videos on corruption, injustice, and government abuse. This incident only fueled his growing reputation as a fearless critic of power. His arrest and eventual release have once again brought the EFCC under scrutiny, with many calling for transparency in how the agency handles such cases.

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For now, VDM is yet to speak publicly since his release, but all eyes are on what he will say next. Whether or not the EFCC plans to press formal charges remains to be seen. What is clear, though, is that public voices, online solidarity, and legal resistance played a key role in pushing back against what many saw as an unjust arrest.


 

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