Entertainment
Fela Kuti Makes History as First African Honoured With Grammys Lifetime Achievement Award
Nearly three decades after his death, Nigerian music icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first African to be awarded a Grammys Lifetime Achievement Award — a moment widely seen as long-overdue global recognition of his immense influence.
Long celebrated by fans worldwide as the undisputed pioneer and king of Afrobeat, Fela will receive the honour posthumously at the upcoming Grammy Awards. He died in 1997 at the age of 58, but his music, message and cultural impact have only grown stronger with time.
The recognition has been warmly welcomed by those closest to the late artist. Rikki Stein, Fela’s long-time friend and manager, described the honour as “better late than never,” noting that African music had historically received limited attention from major Western institutions.
That shift has become increasingly visible in recent years. The global explosion of Afrobeats — a genre directly inspired by Fela’s groundbreaking fusion of jazz, funk, highlife and African rhythms — has reshaped international music charts and award platforms. In recognition of this momentum, the Grammys introduced the Best African Performance category in 2024.
This year, Nigerian superstar Burna Boy is also nominated in the Best Global Music Album category, further underlining Africa’s growing presence on the world’s biggest music stage.
Despite these advances, Fela’s honour remains uniquely significant. Since the Lifetime Achievement Award was first introduced in 1963, beginning with American singer and actor Bing Crosby, no African artist had previously received it. Fela now joins an illustrious list of this year’s honourees, which includes Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan — widely known as the Queen of Funk — and Paul Simon.
Members of Fela Kuti’s family, alongside friends and collaborators, are expected to attend the Grammy ceremony to accept the award on his behalf, celebrating a legacy that transcends borders and generations.
Entertainment
Coroner Says Investigation Into Liam Payne’s Death Still Awaiting Evidence From Argentina
A coroner overseeing the inquest into the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne has said authorities in the UK are still waiting for additional evidence from Argentina as investigations there continue.
During a pre-inquest review hearing held at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court on Thursday, senior coroner Crispin Butler said there had been no significant updates since a previous hearing in January 2025.
“We have had no further disclosure of evidence from Argentina via the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office,” Butler told the court.
Payne, who was 31, died in October 2024 after falling from a balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.
A post-mortem examination found the singer died from multiple traumas and “internal and external haemorrhage” after falling from the hotel’s third-floor balcony.
The coroner said documentation already received from Argentina had undergone translation and confirmed that relevant material would be shared with Payne’s family, who were not present at the hearing.
Butler added that his understanding was that investigations by authorities in Argentina were still ongoing.
In February last year, an Argentine court dropped criminal negligence charges against three of the five people initially charged in connection with Payne’s death.
Payne rose to global fame as a member of One Direction before launching a successful solo career following the band’s hiatus. He released his debut solo album, LP1, in December 2019.
The inquest proceedings in the UK have now been adjourned until a further pre-inquest review scheduled for 1 December.
Entertainment
Pussycat Dolls Cancel US Tour Dates Amid Weak Ticket Sales
Pussycat Dolls have cancelled the North American leg of their reunion tour after disappointing ticket sales, while confirming that their European dates will proceed as planned.
Three members of the group—Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt—had earlier announced a comeback with a new single and a global tour. However, the trio said they made the “difficult and heartbreaking decision” to cancel nearly all scheduled shows in the United States and Canada after reassessing demand.
“After taking an honest look” at the North American tour, the group said they concluded it was not viable to proceed with the planned dates.
The only performance that will go ahead in the U.S. is their appearance at WeHo Pride in Los Angeles on 6 June, which they described as a meaningful opportunity to connect with fans.
“We could not think of a more meaningful place to celebrate with our fans,” the group said, highlighting the long-standing support they have received from the LGBTQ+ community.
The Dolls had originally planned 33 dates across North America throughout June, July and August. Fans who purchased tickets via platforms like Ticketmaster or AXS will receive automatic refunds, while those who bought through third-party sellers have been advised to contact their vendors directly.
In contrast, the European leg of the tour is performing strongly. The group confirmed that multiple shows across the UK and Ireland are already sold out, with the tour set to begin in Copenhagen in September.
UK stops include Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Dublin, Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester, before concluding at The O2 Arena on 13 October.
The group said they are now focused on delivering “unforgettable” performances for European audiences, promising a celebration of their music and legacy.
The cancellation follows similar moves by other major artists, including Post Malone and Meghan Trainor, who have also scaled back or postponed U.S. shows in recent months.
Industry observers suggest that high ticket prices and the decision to book large arenas instead of smaller venues may have contributed to the weak sales in North America.
Known for hits such as “Buttons,” “Don’t Cha,” and “I Don’t Need a Man,” the Pussycat Dolls enjoyed major success in Europe during their peak years—a trend that appears to be continuing as they prepare for their return to the stage.
Entertainment
Dolly Parton Cancels Las Vegas Residency as She Focuses on Recovery
Dolly Parton has cancelled her planned Las Vegas residency as she continues treatment for ongoing health issues, reassuring fans that she is steadily improving.
The 80-year-old country music icon shared the update in a statement on social media, explaining that she has been “responding really well to meds and treatments” while managing a long-term struggle with kidney stones.
Parton had previously postponed her six-show residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from December 2025 to September 2026 due to what she described at the time as “health challenges.” She has now confirmed that the shows will not go ahead as planned.
“I’ve still got some healing to do, but I am on my way!” she said in a video message announcing the cancellation.
Maintaining her trademark humour, Parton joked about the physical demands of performing, saying she could not risk being unsteady on stage.
“I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on 5-inch heels—and you know that I’m going to be wearing them,” she said. “Not to mention, all those heavy rhinestone outfits, the big hair, my big… uh, personality.”
She added that it will take time before she is fully “stage-performance ready,” and apologised to fans who had already purchased tickets.
“I am truly sorry that I’m going to miss all of you that had tickets to see me in Las Vegas. Well, you get on to Vegas, and you have a big time… and I’ll see you somewhere down the line,” she said.
Despite stepping back from live performances, Parton confirmed she remains active creatively. She is continuing to record music, produce videos, and work on a Broadway musical project, while also staying involved with Dollywood. Plans are also underway for a new museum and hotel in Nashville later this year.
A globally celebrated artist, Parton has won 10 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is widely known for classic hits including “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” and “Jolene.”
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