Author: Stephen Ibrahim

From Rema to Shallipopi, here are the Nigerian tracks shaping global Afropop in 2025 according to recent Rolling Stone list. 

Nigeria’s music wave continues to shape the world, and Rolling Stone’s latest editorial just confirmed it. In the publication’s “45 Best Afropop Songs of 2025” ranking, Nigerian artists took up multiple slots across the list, proving once again why Afrobeats remains one of the most influential sounds on the planet.

With heavyweight legends, rising stars, and viral newcomers all represented, the list highlights how diverse Nigeria’s sound has become; from Fuji-infused pop to amapiano blends, street-hop, spiritual Afrofusion, and glossy mainstream Afrobeats.

Nigerian Songs on Rolling Stone’s 45 Best Afropop Songs of 2025

Rank	Artist(s)	Song Title
#2	Shallipopi	Laho
#5	Adekunle Gold, Yinka Ayefele & Adewale Ayuba	Many People
#6	Davido & Omah Lay	With You Have
#10	Rema	Kelebu
#11	Ayra Starr	Hot Body
#13	Tems	Big Daddy
#14	Rema	Baby (Is It A Crime)
#20	Olamide & Wizkid	Kai!
#21	Tiwa Savage & Skepta	On The Low
#23	Taves	Popstar Party
#24	Mavo & Wave$tar	Escaladizzy
#25	Blaqbonez	ACL
#27	Chella	My Darling
#29	Seyi Vibez	How Are You
#31	Show Dem Camp & Winny	Pele
#37	Rigo Kamp	Marathon
#40	DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez, Wizkid & Mavo	Money Constant
#43	Asake	Why Love

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 concluded its final group matches on Monday, 29 December, with four high-stakes games that confirmed several Round of 16 places and shaped the tournament’s knockout landscape. From South African victory to a commanding Moroccan performance, here’s a full recap of all today’s AFCON results. 

Full Match Results – 29 December 2025

Group B Results

• Zimbabwe 2–3 South Africa: South Africa battle back in a thrilling encounter to secure their spot in the Round of 16. 
• Angola 0–0 Egypt: Egypt rest key players but do enough to finish top of Group B unbeaten.

Group A Results

• Comoros 0–0 Mali: Both sides end their group campaigns with a goalless draw in Casablanca. 
• Morocco 3–0 Zambia: Hosts Morocco deliver a dominant victory to top Group A and head into the knockout stage confidently. 

Match Highlights & Key Moments

South Africa 3–2 Zimbabwe 

In one of the day’s most dramatic fixtures in Group B, South Africa edged Zimbabwe 3–2 in Marrakech to seal second place in the group and progression to the Round of 16. South Africa took the lead early, Zimbabwe fought back, but a late penalty ensured a decisive win for the Bafana Bafana. 

Angola 0–0 Egypt 

Egypt wrapped up their group campaign with a goalless draw against Angola, finishing unbeaten at the top of Group B. Despite using a rotating squad, the Pharaohs showed enough defensive resilience to lock down a point. 

Comoros 0–0 Mali 

In Group A, Comoros and Mali played out a 0–0 stalemate, a match defined by strong defending and missed attacking opportunities. Neither side could find the breakthrough, and the shared point affects the final standings. 

Morocco 3–0 Zambia 

Hosts Morocco delivered a convincing 3–0 win over Zambia to top Group A. The Atlas Lions dominated from start to finish, showcasing their attacking firepower and tactical discipline on home soil. 

With a strong goal difference and a perfect finish to their group campaign, Morocco enters the Round of 16 as a team to watch. 

Updated Group Standings After 29 December

Group B:

1. Egypt – 7 pts
2. South Africa – 6 pts
3. Angola – 2 pts
4. Zimbabwe – 1 pt
   
    Group A:

1. Morocco – Qualified as group winners
2. Mali – Await tie-breaker decision
3. Zambia – Await tie-breaker decision
4. Comoros – Finished with 1 point

Skincare isn’t one-size fits all. The serum that works magic for someone with dry skin might be too heavy for someone with oily skin, and a product that clears acne for one person could irritate a sensitive face. That’s why choosing the right serum starts with understanding your skin type.

This guide breaks down 7 of the best face serums ever, matched to the skin types they suit best. No hype, no pressure, just pure research to help you make a smarter choice for your routine.

Dry Skin (Deep Hydration)

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum

Dry skin needs hydration and this serum focuses on that without feeling greasy. Its blend of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 helps the skin feel plumper and more comfortable, especially when dryness makes the face feel tight after washing.

Best for: dryness, tightness, dehydration

Why it stands out: lightweight, gentle, and comforting on the skin

Oily Skin (Shine Control)

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Oily skin isn’t something to “fix,” but it can be balanced. This serum is popular because it supports shine control and helps the skin look more even without feeling heavy.

Best for: oily T-zone, clogged-looking pores, uneven texture

Why it stands out: affordable, simple formula, beginner-friendly

Combination Skin (Balance & Glow)

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum

Combination skin needs moisture in some areas and lightness in others. This serum offers glow without heaviness, making it easier to balance dry cheeks and oily areas like the forehead and nose.

Best for: dullness, uneven tone, mixed texture

Why it stands out: lightweight glow, gentle BHA for clarity

Sensitive Skin (Calm & Comfort)

Tower 28 SOS Intensive Rescue Serum

Sensitive skin reacts easily, so calmness is the priority. This serum focuses on soothing irritation without harsh exfoliants or strong actives.

Best for: redness, irritation, easily triggered skin

Why it stands out: simple formula built to be gentle

Acne-Prone Skin (Clearer Texture Support)

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Night Serum

For acne-prone skin, exfoliation can help clear dead skin buildup on the surface. This product is often used at night and contains mild acids that support smoother texture. A little goes a long way.

Best for: breakouts, rough texture, clogged-feeling pores

Why it stands out: night treatment style; keep usage minimal to avoid sensitivity

Dull Skin (Brightness & Radiance)

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Brightening serums are popular for skin that feels dull or tired. This is praised for helping the complexion look more awake and even. Vitamin C serums like this pair best with sunscreen during daytime routines to protect the skin.

Best for: tired complexion, dark areas, uneven look

Why it stands out: strong reputation and glow-focused results

Mature / Early Aging Skin (Smoother Texture)

Medik8 Crystal Retinal Serum

As skin changes with time, texture and fine lines can become more noticeable. Retinal serums are often used for this, but they should be started slowly to avoid irritation.

Best for: texture changes, uneven tone, early aging signs

Why it stands out: available in different strengths for different comfort levels

There’s no “perfect” serum for everyone but there is a serum that matches your skin’s needs. Start with your skin type, choose one concern at a time, and go gentle. Consistency matters more than having a long routine.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not medical or dermatological advice. Everyone’s skin is different, so products may work differently for each person. If you have ongoing skin concerns, irritation, or a medical condition, consult a qualified professional or dermatologist before starting new skincare products. 

Nigeria’s public health system faces a new threat as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issues a critical warning over the widespread circulation of counterfeit Kiss Condoms across the country. The alert, numbered 042/2025 and dated December 18, 2025, emphasizes the dangers these fake products pose, as they fail to provide proper protection against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The warning comes via DKT International Nigeria, an NGO focused on affordable family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention tools. Reports indicate that these counterfeit condoms have infiltrated major markets, including Onitsha, Idumota, Trade Fair, Kano, Abuja, Uyo, Gombe, Enugu, and beyond.

This incident underscores a growing concern in Nigeria over substandard and falsified products, which have been linked to severe health complications, hospitalizations, and even deaths.

Kiss Condoms, manufactured by DKT International, are widely used for sexual protection, helping prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs such as HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Their popularity has made them a target for counterfeiters, who produce inferior versions mimicking the packaging but failing in quality and safety.

These fakes are not just ineffective, they are hazardous. Poor manufacturing standards, lack of sterilization, and absence of regulatory oversight increase the risk of condom breakage, allergic reactions, and unintended pregnancies. Users may experience a false sense of security, unaware that they are unprotected.

How to Spot Counterfeit Kiss Condoms

NAFDAC has provided a detailed guide to help Nigerians distinguish genuine products from fakes.

Box Packaging (Front Side)

• Genuine: Features instructions like “Please read the instructions carefully,” single-use warnings, medical device certification (MDSS GmbH, Hannover, Germany), condom image, English and French details, and correct address (Plot 4, Block E, Isolo Industrial Layout, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway). Storage and caution info are included.
• Fake: Lacks instructions or certification, darker packaging, no condom image, incorrect address (42 Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos), and missing caution details.

Condom Pack

• Genuine: Light red with “Kiss” printed closely on six lines.
• Fake: Dark red with “Kiss” loosely spaced on five lines; strip is longer than the original.

Wallet Packaging (Outer)

• Genuine: Light red, full description, correct Oshodi-Apapa address, hidden flap with revision date, medical device info, and caution statements.
• Fake: Dark red, wrong Yaba address, incomplete details, inconsistent barcode, missing medical device info.

Wallet Packaging (Inner)

• Genuine: Detailed instructions with eight bullet points.
• Fake: Summarized info with only six bullet points.

The Condom Itself

• Genuine: Larger, oval-shaped, large teat end, well-lubricated.
• Fake: Thinner, round-shaped, smaller teat end, less lubricated.

NAFDAC’s Action and Public Guidance

NAFDAC has mobilized zonal directors and state coordinators for nationwide surveillance to remove falsified products. Distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers are advised to:

1. Source products only from licensed suppliers.
2. Verify product authenticity before purchase.
3. Report suspicious products or adverse effects immediately to the nearest NAFDAC office.
4. Call the toll-free hotline: 0800-162-3322 or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
5. Use the Med-safety app or pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng for reporting.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has officially entered the billionaire club. Forbes confirmed that the global superstar’s net worth has now surpassed $1 billion, making her one of the few musicians in history to reach this financial milestone.

Beyonce’s rise to billionaire status isn’t just about music, it’s a combination of business moves, global influence, and her drive. While her career started in music with Destiny’s Child, she has since built an empire spanning multiple industries.

Her Cowboy Carter world tour in 2025 played a huge role in boosting her net worth. The tour reportedly shattered records worldwide, selling out stadiums and generating hundreds of millions in revenue. Beyond touring, Beyoncé earns from her music catalog, which includes both her solo work and Destiny’s Child hits, bringing consistent royalties.

Business Ventures That Added to the Wealth

Beyoncé has also diversified her income streams. Her business ventures include:

• Ivy Park, her fashion and activewear brand, which continues to see strong global sales.
• Endorsements and partnerships with major brands across fashion, cosmetics, and lifestyle.
• Strategic investments in entertainment and tech ventures.

Combined, these ventures significantly contribute to her estimated $1 billion net worth, according to Forbes.

Beyoncé now joins a select group of celebrities who have crossed the billionaire mark, including Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift. Forbes had previously estimated her net worth at around $780–$800 million earlier in 2025, meaning her recent projects and ventures accelerated her wealth growth significantly. 

World heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State earlier today, local reports and eyewitness accounts confirm. Two people have been reported dead at the scene, while Joshua sustained only minor injuries and is currently stable. 

This incident has sparked major reactions on social media and Nigerian news platforms as fans and observers follow developments involving the British-Nigerian fighter. 

According to eyewitnesses and local reports, the crash took place shortly after 11 a.m. on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun, close to the Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State. 

The Lexus SUV carrying Joshua, reportedly with registration number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck under circumstances that remain under investigation by authorities. 

Emergency responders and bystanders were the first to reach the scene, assisting with rescue efforts and helping to manage traffic along the busy artery. 

Police and traffic officials have confirmed that Anthony Joshua received minor injuries and was able to leave the wreckage with help from responders before being taken for medical evaluation. 

Tragically, two people died at the crash site, according to multiple eyewitness accounts and reports from local news outlets. 

Details about the victims have not yet been released, and authorities are continuing their investigation into both the cause of the crash and the identities of those who died. 

At 36 years old, Anthony Joshua is one of the most recognized figures in boxing, known for his two-time world heavyweight championships and Olympic gold medal performance. The fighter has a strong connection to Nigeria due to his family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, which partly explains his presence in the country during this period. 

This crash comes just days after Joshua’s highly publicized knockout win over Jake Paul in Miami, a bout that drew massive global viewership on streaming platforms and renewed discussions about his next career steps. 

Watch Video

After more than a quarter-century of almost nonstop episodes, the ONE PIECE anime has reached the end of what many fans are calling “Season 1.” The long-running series concluded its current run with over 1,155 episodes and has officially closed its weekly broadcast era, ushering in a brand-new seasonal format set to begin in April 2026. 

Launched in October 1999, ONE PIECE has been a Sunday staple for anime fans around the world. For 26 years, the show delivered fresh episodes nearly every week, becoming one of the most enduring and beloved anime series in history. This uninterrupted run spanning more than 1,000 episodes is now ending as the anime finishes the Egghead Island arc in late December 2025. 

Toei Animation; the studio behind ONE PIECE  has announced a major overhaul of the anime’s production schedule. Here’s what fans should expect: 

Seasonal Format

Instead of year-round weekly episodes, ONE PIECE will adopt a seasonal release structure starting in April 2026. Under this new format:

• The anime will air around 26 episodes per year.
• Episodes will be split into two separate blocks (called “cours”) each year.
• There will be planned breaks between seasons to allow for better pacing and animation quality. 

The anime will go on a three-month break from January to March 2026 after the finale of the Egghead Arc. It will then return with fresh episodes beginning in April 2026. 

Elbaph Arc Kicks Things Off

The first chapter of this new season will be the highly anticipated Elbaph Arc, starting on April 5, 2026. The Elbaph Arc follows the Straw Hat Pirates as they enter the land of giants, setting the stage for some of the most epic adventures yet. 

This shift isn’t just a scheduling update; it’s a creative decision. For years, fans and critics have pointed out issues with ONE PIECE’s pacing, where extended storylines sometimes felt too slow compared to the original manga. The seasonal format is intended to give the production team more time for quality animation and tighter storytelling.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) produced thrilling action on Sunday, 28 December, with key group stage results shaping the race for the Round of 16. From Mozambique’s first ever win at the tournament to Algeria securing progression, here’s a complete breakdown of all the major AFCON action. 

In Group F, Mozambique stunned Gabon 3–2 to record their first ever victory in AFCON finals history. The Mambas took an early lead and remained composed against a resilient Gabon side. This landmark result ended a 40-year wait for Mozambique’s first win at the continental tournament. 

Score: Mozambique 3 – Gabon 2

Goals by Bangal, Catamo (pen), and Calila powered Mozambique to a monumental triumph. 

This result significantly boosts Mozambique’s AFCON 2025 campaign and adds drama to Group F’s final matchday. 

Ivory Coast and Cameroon Draw 1–1

Also in Group F, Ivory Coast and Cameroon played out a 1–1 draw in Marrakech. The defending champions took the lead through Amad Diallo, only for Cameroon to equalize via an own goal in a tightly contested encounter.  The draw leaves both sides well-positioned to advance, with each on four points heading into the final group games.

Sudan Beat Equatorial Guinea 1–0

In Group E, Sudan secured a crucial win over Equatorial Guinea, edging them 1–0 with a late goal that proved decisive. The Falcons of Jediane showed resilience to claim valuable points. 

This victory keeps Sudan’s AFCON qualification hopes alive as the group stages tighten. 

Algeria Seal Round of 16 Spot

A pivotal result in Group E came when Algeria defeated Burkina Faso 1–0, earning qualification for the AFCON 2025 Round of 16. Captain Riyad Mahrez converted a crucial first-half penalty to secure the win and solidify Algeria’s top spot in the group. 

Mahrez’s goal ensures Algeria finishes the group stage with six points, advancing with confidence to the knockout rounds. 

Kanye West, the Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and fashion icon, made a surprise appearance at comedian Deon Cole’s show at the Hollywood Improv in Los Angeles on December 27, 2025, leaving fans in awe. The unexpected moment quickly became the talk of social media as Ye joined Cole onstage mid-performance, sparking excitement in the crowd.

During the appearance, Kanye West took the opportunity to confirm that a new album is on the way, delighting fans who have been anticipating fresh music since his last projects in 2025. While Ye didn’t reveal a full tracklist or all details, the announcement marks one of the first public confirmations of his next studio effort.

The upcoming project, reportedly titled BULLY, has been discussed by Kanye throughout the year but faced multiple delays. Sources indicate that the album is now scheduled for a January 30, 2026 release, and fans can expect new singles or teasers in the coming weeks leading up to the drop.

This isn’t the first time Kanye has leveraged unexpected public appearances to make major announcements. His surprise presence at Cole’s show follows a pattern of high-profile, unconventional reveals that keep fans and the media engaged. Social media quickly reacted, with clips of the appearance trending and fans speculating about the album’s sound, collaborations, and themes.

Ye’s confirmation comes at a time when his influence on music, fashion, and pop culture remains significant. With multiple Grammy awards, fashion lines, and chart-topping hits to his name, each new project from Kanye West carries global attention. BULLY is expected to continue this trajectory, giving fans both the signature Ye sound and new creative directions.

As anticipation builds, fans are keeping a close eye on Kanye’s channels and social media for additional updates. Industry watchers predict that BULLY could be one of the biggest releases of early 2026, potentially dominating charts and streaming platforms worldwide.

When Avatar: Fire and Ash hit cinemas in December 2025, it didn’t just join a franchise, it sparked a moment the film world has been watching for years. On the surface, it’s about box office numbers and blockbuster milestones. But for James Cameron, this is another chapter in a career built on risk, innovation, and redefining what cinema can do.

In this article, we unpack how Fire and Ash could make Cameron the first director in history to have four consecutive films gross over $1 billion worldwide, and why that potential achievement rests on decades of creative and technological breakthroughs.

In its opening weekend, Avatar: Fire and Ash brought in approximately $345 million globally, with a strong international showing and $88 million in the U.S. and Canada. While this domestic figure trails behind Avatar: The Way of Water, the overall performance, especially overseas puts the film on track to possibly join its predecessors in the billion-dollar club. 

In markets like India, Fire and Ash has already become one of the top Hollywood films of the year, ranking among the 11th highest-grossing Hollywood films ever in that territory.  

If Fire and Ash ultimately crosses $1 billion worldwide, Cameron will achieve something no other director ever has: four consecutive films over $1 billion – following Titanic, Avatar (2009), and Avatar: The Way of Water. 

James Cameron wasn’t born with a silver spoon, he built his reputation. Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1954, he didn’t start in film school but in physics and art. A viewing of Star Wars inspired him to pursue movies, a decision that would eventually reshape Hollywood blockbusters. 

Before the box office megahits, Cameron’s early films included sci-fi cult classics like The Terminator and Aliens, films that showcased his knack for tension, technology, and world-building long before Pixar and Marvel dominated culture.

Historical Milestones

Cameron’s history with cinematic milestones is staggering:

Titanic (1997)

• One of the first films ever to cross $1 billion worldwide.
• Won 11 Academy Awards, tying the record for most wins in Oscar history.
• Held the title of highest-grossing film for over a decade. 

Avatar (2009)

• Became the highest-grossing film in history, surpassing Titanic.
• First film to exceed $2 billion at the global box office.
• Broke new ground in 3D and motion-capture filmmaking.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

• Also crossed the $2 billion mark.
• Pushed the boundaries of underwater performance capture, an insanely complex technical challenge. 

Those three alone make Cameron one of the most commercially successful directors ever. Add Fire and Ash, and you could be looking at a record four-film billion-dollar streak, a feat unmatched by Spielberg, Nolan, or Jackson.

Cameron doesn’t just make movies, he invents tools to make them. Every one of his major films includes innovation:

• Deep-sea robotics and documentary technology, inspired by his own passion for ocean exploration he has even made record-setting solo dives into the Mariana Trench. 
• Groundbreaking 3D and motion-capture in Avatar, techniques now widely used across Hollywood. 

The Next Chapters: Avatar 4 & 5

Cameron has already hinted that Avatars 4 and 5 depend partly on how Fire and Ash performs. If this third film cements its commercial success, those future projects –  years in planning  are more likely to go forward.