Author: Adekugbe Adedayo

Nigerian Chess Master Tunde Onakoya has officially set the mark for a new chess marathon of 58 hours around 2:30 WAT on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

On Thursday, the champion went on a mission to break the world record for the longest chess marathon. Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad were the previous owners, holding it for 56 hours and 9 minutes.

According to The Gift of Chess on X, who posted at 12:34 am on Saturday, “56 Hours Straight, The Record Is SET TO BREAK.”

Tunde confirmed the new record via his X account:

“We have done it.

“We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.

“We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why—the reason we are doing this.

“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen.

The challenge was held at the New York City Times Square to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa. He is the convener of Chess in the Slums, an NGO to equip children with the power of chess.

Tunde Onakoya was joined by the US National Chess Champion 23 hours into the game.

“This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.

“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, poses as a formidable adversary. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.”

“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” said Chess in the Slums.

Notable figures like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Singer Davido, and Adekunle Gold have all supported Tunde.

Afrobeats giant Olamide and Afropop artist CKay are back together with a new collab.

“Bolabmh is the producer behind the song, which is believed to draw influences from Salsa. This single serves as a testament to CKay's exceptional talent in songwriting.

According to CKay “Olamide and I complimented each other well on the record. I think it’s beautiful.” This is their second song since 'Trumpet, released back in 2023’.

Wahala’ is available on all streaming platforms; listen here

In response to claims made by TikTok influencer Dabarbie, Mayorkun sues the TikTok influence with Mayorkun slams TikTok influencer Nickie Dabarbie for a ₦1 billion lawsuit for defamatory statements.

Precious Kingsley, popularly known as Nickie Dabarbie, accused musicians Skiibii and Mayorkun of attempted murder for money rituals.

In a series of posts shared via her Instagram account, Dabarbie claimed both singers use multiple girls for rituals. In addition to her claims, she said the artists gave her dog poop to eat. On her Instagram live she also accused the musicians of sending soldiers after her.

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A post shared by Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja)

In response to these massive claims, Mayorkun is suing the influencer.

Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O Kanayo has shared his voice with new and blooming Nollywood actors who have delved into skit-making.

He shared his voice via a post shared on his official Instagram.

He warns against 'one-day shooting,' its health impact, its cost, and its relevance. He fears the art of YouTube skit-making will become unsustainable as actors will overwork themselves.

He said;

‘’This past midnight I sat back and watched the opportunities offered by the YouTube channel a very good platform but unfortunately like anything that comes to Nigeria, people jump in and try to mess it up. I watched with dismay and I made this video out of no malice for anybody. It's been messed up by different things, especially the actors that are doing it.

The whole irony of one day shoot is not sustainable. Some of them now make it so difficult for producers and tell you one day shoot is 1 million to 1.5 million one day shoot.nfortunately my very high-standing colleague who started this one-day shoot go and ask him, unfortunately, he's not in good health.

We built Nollywood, brick by brick, block by block but the guys who have besieged YouTube, the actors not the producers, do not have any sense of purpose or process to create a procedure for a lasting videography or creating content. Take for instance, the whole irony of one-day shoot. It is not sustainable. Some of them now make it so difficult for producers. They tell you one day shoot is N1 million or N1.5 million. It isn't sustainable. Unfortunately, my very high standing colleague who started this one-day shoot is unfortunately not in good health. Why? I know for everyone who gives you a job, they want it done. They pack you with enough to finish in one day. Thirty scenes, thirty-five scenes..Most of you think you are enjoying ‘I am fully booked for the next six months’ but your health…I hope you enjoy good health like those of us who started 38 years ago because what you are doing is not sustainable.

I bear you no malice. Earn all your money but the disservice you are doing to professionalism is not going to last long and the way I see it. YouTube is not going to last long in Nigeria as a platform.''

Watch the video below:

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A post shared by Kanayo O Kanayo (@kanayo.o.kanayo)

The French media group Canal+ has increased its stake in South African media giant MultiChoice to 40.83%. Their actions reveal a strong intent to gain control of Africa’s largest pay-TV company.

The company said in a statement on Thursday that the on- and off-market acquisitions had been disclosed to SA’s takeover regulation panel.

In February, Canal+’s stake in MultiChoice passed the 35% mark, which triggered a law that allowed it to present a mandatory offer to shareholders of MultiChoice.

Canal+ bought MultiChoice 3.5 million shares for an average of R116 per share. The newly bought shares are lower than the mandatory share offer of R125.

“The 3 million shares acquired would have cost R30 million more had they been purchased at the offer price, so Canal+ is saving a lot of money,” said Jimmy Moyaha, founder of investment firm Lebowa Capital.

It has increased its stake from 36.6% as of April 8, buying shares from April 12 to April 17 at 117.50 Rand, 115.99 Rand, 115.95 Rand, and 116 Rand per share. The offer at 125 rand per share is with the board of MultiChoice awaiting approval.

The previous generation of the Meta VR headset, Meta Quest 2, is getting a large price drop.

The VR headset is dropping from $299 to $199. The model that will be affected is the Meta Quest 2 128 GB, which will now be the most affordable VR headset for anyone who wants a virtual experience.

Quest 2 was first released in 2020 for $299. During the inflation of 2022, there was a price jump to $399. The $199 price decrease is the lowest it has ever been since it debuted in June 2021.

"From home fitness to fully immersive gaming to 2D entertainment, Meta Quest 2 is the most affordable way to tap into everything VR has to offer, and we’re doubling down by making our recent price drop permanent," says Meta.

The price drop shouldn't be a surprise considering the release of Quest 3 in October. The latest generation is sold for $499, making Meta Quest 2 the most affordable VR headset.

Meta also announced that the price of Quest 2 accessories will drop. The Elite Strap is now $24.00, the Elite Strap with Battery is now sold at $45, and the Carrying Case is now $20. The company's Active Pack is now reduced to $30, and its Fit Pack is seeing its price drop to $20.

The original Quest headset, which was released back in 2019, currently has no support, new updates, or new apps. Consumers rightfully fear this may be the beginning of the end of Quest 2.

With the release of Meta AI, Llama 3, and Ray-Ban glasses, fans of Meta hardware products are expecting the new age of virtual reality and artificial reality in all upcoming Meta products.

While the Quest 3 has more to offer, such as mixed reality support and a bump in specs, the Quest 3 is the best for its price.

American singer Ashanti and rapper Nelly are confirmed to be expecting a child together.

The 43-year-old singer announced her pregnancy alongside her engagement to 49-year-old Nelly in an interview with Essence.

In a video shared on her Instagram, Ashati was asked by her mom, Tina Douglas, how much time she needed to be ready for her performance. Her response was, "Uh, I'm going to need about nine months."

See the video below:

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A post shared by Ashanti (@ashanti)

"This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation," she told the magazine, "Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience."

Aside from Ashanti, Nelly has two adult children, Chanelle, 30, and Cornell Haynes III, 25, with his ex-Channetta Valentine. Nelly also adopted his niece and nephew, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, following the death of his sister, Jackie Donahue.

In September, Nelly confirmed the couple was back together during an appearance on the Boss Moves with Rasheeda show. "It wasn't anything that we planned. We both were pretty much doing what we do,” he explained. “But sometimes, being separate, you understand one another more. You could be like, 'Well yo, let me exactly see maybe what they see.' We all can be defensive sometimes in our own relationships. We know we wrong but we going to stand on it, you know what I mean? But we all a victim to that."

Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, is one of Africa's finest musical songwriters and singers. A talent with so much recognition has no album, but everything will change in May 2024. Tems plans to publish her first studio album.

In 2018, her first published song, Mr. Rebel, was released. Her debut EP, “For Broken Ears," alongside “If Orange Was a Place," contributed significantly to the industry.

She is featured in Wizkid Essence and the remix of the same featuring Justin Bieber. During the 2024 Coachella, Tems performed with both Wizkid and Justin Bieber.

Many fans are so eager and excited for her first album to drop. See the trailer below:

The 2024 and 10th editions of Forbes Africa's annual 30 Under 30 list feature a well-diverse pool of African talents. The list contains some of the youngest and brightest in various fields, including entertainment, education, sports, technology, healthcare, art, and other industries.

On the list, we have talented Nigerians like the founder of Veekee James, Ruth Erikan James, singer-songwriter Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (Fireboy DML), Super Eagles footballer Victor Osimhen, track and field athlete Tobi Amusan, and founder and CEO of Mainlogix Technology, Josiah Akinloye, amongst others.

This year's edition theme is “Passion, Purpose, and A Decade of the 30 Under 30 List,” celebrating the passion, creativity, and impact of Africans globally.

According to Forbes, Africa’s influence globally is on the rise, with 1.45 billion people across 54 countries driving its economies, largely propelled by its youthful demographic. The United Nations reports that 70% of sub-Saharan Africa is under 30, and by 2050, over a third of the world’s youth will reside in Africa. Experts predict that the continent’s wealth lies in its young, predominantly female population, making them prime investment prospects for the future.

Nigerians featured on the list

1. Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (Fireboy DML), 28, Nigeria
   Singer-songwriter
   Industry: Entertainment 
2. Victor Osimhen, 25, Nigeria
   Footballer and Striker for Super Eagles
   Industry: Sport (Football)
3. Tobi Amusan, 26, Nigeria
   Track and Field Athlete
   Industry: Sport-Athletics
4. Ruth Erikan James, 29, Nigeria
   Founder, Veekee James
   Industry: Fashion
5. Josiah Akinloye, 29, Nigeria
   Founder and CEO, Mainlogix Technology
   Industry: Automation and Technology

“For a decade, we have unpacked the unmistakable potential and story of Africa’s youth. And Forbes Africa’s 10th 30 Under 30 list too has ambition and adrenaline packed into this special issue. These purpose-minded 20-something achievers are on the way up, overcoming the odds in their quest to become tomorrow’s titans and billionaires, making a huge difference in the countries, companies, and communities they serve,” Forbes Africa, Managing Editor, Renuka Methil.

To get featured on the list, applications need to be submitted via official channels. Part of the rigorous reporting and vetting process also involved going through social media profiles, police clearance reports, reference letters from financial institutions, and testimonials from colleagues, collaborators, business partners, and employees of the short-listed nominees.

Background checks were conducted on potential candidates, which included reviewing documentation to ensure there are no criminal records, troubling lawsuits or bankruptcy, and/or allegations of crime, misconduct, sexual harassment, abuse, or fraud.

Moments after an American stylist posted a cosy picture of herself and Davido, Anita Brown took to social media to explain the stylist's situation. She said not everyone in America knows Davido is married. She elaborated by stating that Davido wasn’t widely recognized until the release of his latest album or until he was involved in a new controversy.

"Y'all Gotta Stop Acting Like Everybody Knows That Man Is Married. It's So Many People In America Never Heard Of Him Until His Recent Album Or Because Of Drama. He Don't Even Post His Wife. Celebs Like Clout, Why That Man Never Post His Wedding & His New Babies Or Post His Wife Enough For It To Be KNOWN. Y'all Gotta Stop Coming For These Females, It's Getting Old. Put Some More Emphasis On YOUR WIFE, That's What Real Respectable Husbands Do."

Anita Brown via Threads (ninatheelite)

The Controversy

An American influencer/stylist who goes by Gorgeous Doll posted a picture of Davido and herself but instead drew backlash from netizens. To clarify, she explained that she's just friends with Davido.

On her TikTok account on April 15, she explained the nature of her relationship with Davido:

"I did not know that this man was married. Anytime I was around Davido, it was for one or two things okay? It was either because I was styling him for an event because that's what I do, whether it's athletes or rappers. Another thing I would do is help him with bookings when he comes into Atlanta. I would call the club owners and tell them 'Hey Davido is in town, do y'all want to book him?

At this point, I had never seen a wife, only baby mamas and I knew he had multiple baby mamas. I didn't care because it wasn't my business to ask and I never thought to ask 'Are you married."