Colman Domingo to voice the Cowardly Lion in Wicked: For Good, Dave confirms collaboration with Tems on upcoming album, Rodri ruled out for two more games. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics…
1. Colman Domingo to voice the Cowardly Lion in Wicked: For Good
Colman Domingo has officially been announced as the voice of the Cowardly Lion in ‘WICKED: FOR GOOD’ pic.twitter.com/iaxkZIX5Sm
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) October 20, 2025
Colman Domingo is joining the land of Oz. The Oscar-nominated actor has been tapped to voice The Cowardly Lion in Wicked: For Good, the second installment of Jon M. Chu’s two-part adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, reports say. The announcement was made on Monday morning across both the film’s and Domingo’s social media pages. The follow-up to Wicked: Part One will expand the world inspired by L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Gregory Maguire’s bestselling prequel novel, introducing other iconic characters such as The Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Dorothy, though their casting remains under wraps.
The upcoming film continues the story of Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as they navigate the events leading to the rise of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North. The star-studded cast also includes Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater. Directed by Chu from a screenplay by Wicked’s original creators, Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz, Wicked: For Good is produced by Marc Platt and David Stone for Universal Pictures. The film is set to hit theaters on November 21. Domingo, renowned for his acclaimed performances in Rustin and The Color Purple, will next appear in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man and Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire.
2. Dave confirms collaboration with Tems on upcoming album
🚨 Tems is a confirmed feature on Dave’s upcoming album “The Boy Who Played The Harp” according to Billboards spotted across London 🔥🤩
THE ALBUM DROPS NEXT FRIDAY 👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/7HpDldMdhh
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) October 19, 2025
British rapper Dave has officially confirmed a collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeats star Tems on his forthcoming third studio album, The Boy Who Played The Harp, arriving this Friday, October 24. The announcement follows weeks of speculation sparked by a billboard campaign in London teasing the pair’s partnership. Tems had previously hinted at their work together during an interview with media personality Craig Mitch, where she praised Dave’s artistry and confirmed that the two had been in the studio.
The collaboration brings together two global powerhouses whose distinct sounds are set to create one of the album’s most anticipated moments. Dave, celebrated for his introspective storytelling and award-winning projects like We’re All Alone In This Together, continues to cement his legacy as one of the UK’s leading rap voices. Tems, whose soulful blend of Afrobeats and R&B has led to collaborations with Drake and Beyoncé, adds her signature depth and emotion to the project. As fans await the release, The Boy Who Played The Harp is shaping up to be a defining cross-continental fusion and one of 2025’s most talked-about albums.
3. Donald Trump posts an AI video mocking ‘No Kings’ protesters
Donald Trump uploads an AI video of himself dumping feces on ‘No Kings’ protesters from a ‘King Trump’ jet.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 19, 2025
President Donald Trump on Saturday evening shared what appeared to be an AI-generated video of himself dumping brown sludge on protesters while wearing a crown and flying a jet labeled “KING TRUMP.” The post came as millions across all 50 states participated in “No Kings” rallies, a coordinated day of protest rejecting what organizers called the president’s “power grab.” Organizers reported over 2,700 peaceful demonstrations nationwide under the message that “America will not be ruled by fear, force, or one man’s power.” Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after returning from Mar-a-Lago, Trump dismissed the protests as “a joke,” accusing Democratic donor George Soros and “radical left lunatics” of funding the rallies without offering evidence.
The president’s social media activity that day also included resharing another doctored video, first posted by Vice President J.D. Vance, depicting Trump placing a crown on his head as Democratic lawmakers bowed. The official White House account later posted an image of Trump and Vance wearing crowns while Democratic leaders appeared in sombreros, drawing backlash from Latino rights groups for promoting stereotypes. Critics, including Ezra Levin of Indivisible, said the videos underscored Trump’s anger and disregard for democratic norms. Progressive groups like MoveOn described the protests as “a fierce love for our country,” while Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, characterized them as “a hate America rally.” The White House has not commented on the origin or intent behind the president’s posts.
4. India Bradley becomes New York City Ballet’s first Black female soloist
India Bradley Becomes New York City Ballet’s First Black Female Soloist pic.twitter.com/AJUmlGftKx
— BET (@BET) October 20, 2025
History has been made at the New York City Ballet as India Bradley becomes the company’s first Black soloist. Her promotion, announced alongside five others, Victor Abreu, Dominika Afanasenkov, Naomi Corti, Mary Thomas MacKinnon, and Andres Zuniga, marks a groundbreaking moment for one of the world’s most prestigious ballet institutions, reports say. Bradley, who joined the company in 2017, has steadily risen through the ranks, previously making history as the first Black dancer to perform the Dewdrop role in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Mentored by Andrea Long, a former NYCB member and Dance Theatre of Harlem principal, Bradley’s journey reflects both perseverance and the slow but steady progress toward diversity in ballet.
In an interview with Essence Girls United, Bradley spoke candidly about the importance of visibility and representation in the arts. “If you’ve never seen someone like me in that position, it would never cross your mind that this could be possible for you,” she said. Acknowledging that many Black women before her were denied similar opportunities, Bradley described her achievement as both personal and symbolic, highlighting the systemic and economic barriers that continue to shape the art form. Her mother, a former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater member, first introduced her to dance, a spark that grew into a lifelong passion. “I don’t think she planned for me to do it professionally, but I just never stopped,” Bradley reflected. With her promotion, Bradley not only cements her place in ballet history but also paves the way for a new generation of dancers to see themselves on the world’s grandest stages.
5. Rodri ruled out for two more games
🚨⚠️ Pep Guardiola: “I don’t think Rodri will be available vs Villarreal… and Aston Villa I don’t think so either”.
“It’s not long but it’s muscular. We have to be careful”. pic.twitter.com/Q4qMmDJdBX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 20, 2025
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to remain sidelined for at least two more matches, with Pep Guardiola confirming the Spain international is still recovering from a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old, who missed most of last season with a serious ACL injury, has endured a difficult return to full fitness in the 2025–26 campaign. After being forced off early in City’s clash with Brentford earlier this month, Rodri also sat out the club’s 2–0 victory over Everton, and Guardiola has now ruled him out of Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Villarreal and Sunday’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa.
“It’s not long, but it’s muscular. We have to be careful,” Guardiola told reporters. “We tried many times to prevent another injury, but we haven’t been able to do that.” Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or after a stellar season before his ACL setback, described the issue as “not that big,” saying he felt a minor strain similar to one he experienced during the Euro 2024 final. Guardiola, however, has urged patience, noting that it could take until the 2026 World Cup for Rodri to fully rediscover his best form. Despite his absence, City have maintained momentum, going eight games unbeaten and sitting three points behind leaders Arsenal after eight Premier League matches.
Featured image: Sami Drasin
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