Doechii cancels three festival performances this week with no explanation, 2Baba’s “African Queen” tops Billboard Afrobeats songs of All Time list, John Wall retires from the NBA. 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. Doechii cancels 3 festival performances this week with no explanation
You may remember Doechii performed at the Grammys earlier this year with “bronchitis and flu”.
Well now she’s pulled out of three festivals as she’s “not able to perform”.
In other news we’re in yet another Covid wave. pic.twitter.com/Ue0lAv3HUc
— Gina 😷 COVID is Airborne (@Saffiya_Khan1) August 19, 2025
Rising star Doechii has abruptly pulled out of three major European festival performances scheduled for this week, leaving fans across France and the UK disappointed and puzzled. The 27-year-old Grammy-winning rapper and singer was set to perform at Rock en Seine in Paris on Thursday, August 21, followed by appearances at All Points East in London on Saturday, August 23, and Forwards Festival in Bristol the following day. All three festivals confirmed her cancellations via Instagram on Monday, August 18, offering apologies but providing no explanation for the last-minute changes.
In statements, each festival expressed regret and praised Doechii as a remarkable talent, while encouraging fans to enjoy the rest of their lineups. “She’s an incredible performer and like all her fans, we were looking forward to seeing her in Paris,” Rock en Seine wrote. All Points East and Forwards echoed similar sentiments, adding that they hope to welcome her in the future. As of now, Doechii’s team has not issued a public statement addressing the cancellations.
2. 2Baba’s ‘African Queen’ tops Billboard Afrobeats songs of All Time list
2Baba’s “African Queen” has been named the #1 ‘Best Afrobeats Song of All-Time’ by Billboard staff. pic.twitter.com/b1aI6dxXWv
— chart data (@chartdata) August 19, 2025
Billboard has released its definitive list of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time, crowning 2Baba’s classic hit “African Queen” as number one. The iconic track, known for its smooth blend of R&B and Afrobeats, was hailed by Billboard staff as a timeless anthem that helped globalize the genre. Wizkid followed closely behind with “Ojuelegba” at number two and “Essence” (featuring Tems) at number five, making him the only artist to appear twice in the top ten. Flavour’s “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” and Rema’s global sensation “Calm Down” placed third and fourth, respectively.
The top ten also included major hits like CKay’s “Love Nwantiti,” Davido’s “Fall,” Burna Boy’s “Ye,” and D’banj’s “Oliver Twist,” along with P-Square’s “Chop My Money Remix” featuring Akon. While Nigerian artists dominated the list, Ghanaian acts Fuse ODG and Sarkodie made notable entries at numbers 18 and 19. Styl-Plus’s “Olufunmi” and 9ice’s “Gongo Aso” were ranked just outside the top ten, while Yemi Alade emerged as the highest-ranked female lead with “Johnny” at number 15. The list reflects Afrobeats’ rich legacy and growing global impact, celebrating decades of influential music from across the continent.
3. Tory Lanez appeals Megan Thee Stallion shooting conviction
Tory Lanez Appeal Hearing: His Lawyers Say Megan Thee Stallion Shooting Trial Was ‘Riddled With Errors’https://t.co/hsURS8QpyR
— billboard (@billboard) August 19, 2025
Tory Lanez is still fighting to overturn his conviction for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, despite already serving part of a ten-year prison sentence. At a hearing on August 18, his attorney, Laura L. Cepero, argued that Lanez, real name Daystar Peterson, did not receive a fair trial. She challenged the way DNA evidence was presented to the jury, stating that it was “marginally more likely” someone else handled the weapon, and that clearer presentation of the data could have raised reasonable doubt.
The hearing came shortly after a California appeals court rejected two earlier petitions from Lanez’s legal team, who claimed that critical evidence, such as the firearm and bullet fragments, was withheld from the defense. Prosecutors pushed back, saying the gun remains in LAPD custody and that further testing wouldn’t alter the case. While DNA was not found on the magazine, and results on the gun itself were inconclusive, the court has so far upheld Lanez’s conviction. With parole not possible before November 2029, Lanez and his legal team remain determined to continue their fight for exoneration.
4. Lojay’s highly anticipated debut album ‘XOXO’ postponed ahead of initial release
My people, I’ve been working on this album for the last 2 years and I’ve put so much of myself into it. There have been a few things out of my control that mean I need just a little more time before I can share it with you.
This being my debut album, it’s so important to me that…
— Lojay (@Lojaymusic) August 20, 2025
Nigerian singer and songwriter Lojay has announced the delay of his highly anticipated debut album, “XOXO,” originally set for release on Friday, August 22. The rising Afrobeats star shared the update via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, explaining that he needs “just a little more time” to ensure the album meets his creative vision. Lojay, known for his emotive vocals and genre-blending sound, had been teasing the project across social media, building excitement with a pre-save link and hints of a potential tour.
In a heartfelt message to fans, Lojay emphasized the personal significance of “XOXO,” revealing he’s been crafting the album over the last two years. “It’s so important to me that when you press play, it feels timeless,” he wrote. Though no new release date has been confirmed, Lojay assured supporters the wait would be worth it and thanked them for their patience. The delay may be disappointing to some, but it signals the artist’s commitment to delivering a debut that truly defines his artistic identity.
5. John Wall retires from the NBA
One of our franchise all-time greats.
The definition of an era.
A lasting legacy.
A forever Wizard.Congratulations on your retirement, @JohnWall 💙 pic.twitter.com/cdIqIw0WpT
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) August 19, 2025
After more than a decade in the NBA, former Washington Wizards star John Wall has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball. Though he hadn’t played in a game since the 2022–2023 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Wall made his departure official on August 19, ending a career that began as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Known for his blazing speed, elite playmaking, and fearless leadership, Wall finishes with career averages of 18.7 points, 8.9 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, cementing his legacy as one of the premier point guards of his era.
Wall spent nine of his 11 seasons with the Wizards, guiding the team to four playoff appearances and two trips to the Eastern Conference semifinals. A five-time All-Star and All-NBA Third Team selection in 2017, Wall also made the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2015 and won the 2014 Slam Dunk Contest. Despite a promising start, his career was ultimately derailed by a series of knee injuries that limited his time on the court in later years. The Wizards honored their former franchise cornerstone with a tribute post, calling him “the definition of an era” and “a forever Wizard.” Wall retires as the fourth all-time leading scorer in franchise history, behind only Elvin Hayes, Bradley Beal, and Jeff Malone.
Featured image: @doechii/Instagram
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