Serayah quietly announces engagement to Joey Bada$$, Ayra Starr and Tyla to perform at Global Citizen Festival 2025 in New York, Chris Paul returns to Clippers for an alleged last season. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics…
1. Serayah quietly announces engagement to Joey Bada$$
Serayah and Joey Bada$$ are embracing a new chapter of life, as both parents and a couple-to-be. In a subtly revealing Instagram post on Sunday (July 21), the actress and singer confirmed her engagement to rapper Joey Bada$$. The announcement came tucked inside a casual photo dump titled “Life Lately Dump 🌼,” which marked her return to social media following the birth of their first child on June 19. One image, almost easy to miss, shows Serayah with her hand slightly extended, flashing a sparkling diamond ring, understated yet unmistakable.
Alongside the photos, Serayah shared a reflective caption that read like a personal diary, expressing gratitude for the support she’s received in her postpartum journey. She called motherhood her “greatest accomplishment” and didn’t shy away from acknowledging its challenges, writing, “Although it’s beautiful, it ain’t easy. It takes a village!” She also praised Joey, saying, “My fiancé has held it DOWN you hear me!” The couple, who sparked dating rumors in 2023, have kept much of their relationship private, but Sunday’s soft launch of love, complete with baby bliss and a new ring, speaks volumes.
2. Ayra Starr and Tyla to perform at Global Citizen Festival 2025 in New York
We’re SO back. #GlobalCitizenFestival returns to Central Park Sept 27 — with @theweeknd, @shakira, @Tyllaaaaaaa, @ayrastarr & Mariah the Scientist lighting up NYC. Oh, and guess who’s hosting? 👀 Our very own Global Citizen Ambassador, @RealHughJackman.
🎟️ Better yet, tickets… pic.twitter.com/3VnUcTtzdv
— Global Citizen ⭕ (@GlblCtzn) July 22, 2025
Afropop sensations Ayra Starr and Tyla have officially been added to the lineup for the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, set to take place on September 27 at Central Park’s iconic Great Lawn in New York City. The rising stars from Nigeria and South Africa, respectively, will share the stage with global heavyweights The Weeknd, Shakira, and Mariah the Scientist in what promises to be one of the most dynamic festivals of the year.
Hosted by award-winning actor Hugh Jackman, this year’s festival carries the theme “Amplify the Movement,” underscoring Global Citizen’s mission to end extreme poverty and promote equity through music and advocacy. The inclusion of Ayra Starr and Tyla highlights the growing global influence of African music and marks another major milestone in both artists’ rapidly rising careers. For those eager to attend or get involved, tickets and further information are available at the Global Citizen Festival website.
3. Drake teases new album “Iceman”
“I’m working on my album ‘ICEMAN’, we got a lot to talk about.”
— Drake in Birmingham 🦉🧊 pic.twitter.com/XsHatn8XIo
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) July 22, 2025
Drake is turning up the heat ahead of his next album, “Iceman,” continuing to tease the highly anticipated project during his recent tour stop in Birmingham, England. Addressing the sold-out crowd, the Toronto rapper confirmed, “I’m working on my album Iceman, we got a lot to talk about.” The project marks his first solo release since his public and lyrical feud with Kendrick Lamar reignited earlier this year.
The album’s lead single, “What Did I Miss,” debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, proving Drake’s commercial power remains strong despite the ongoing tension. Celebrating the chart position, he declared, “Suppressor on the 1 spot. I’m taking that soon don’t worry — one song or another, rule changes and all.” However, not everyone is impressed. Longtime rival Pusha T dismissed the track, saying bluntly, “No. Just not for me.” Pusha also criticized Drake’s legal entanglements with UMG over the Lamar feud, stating, “I don’t rate him no more… it just kind of cheapens the art.”
4. Rema, Davido, Shallipopi lead list of Afrobeats’ biggest global songs of the first half of 2025
Black Sherif’s “So It Goes” ft Fireboy DML ranks at #18 on Nigeria’s Spotify 2025 Global Impact List.
It’s the only Ghanaian song on the list👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/d6Eatca7lf
— Viral Picks (@theeviralpicks) July 22, 2025
Spotify has unveiled its Global Impact List, spotlighting the top 30 Nigerian songs with the biggest global streaming numbers for the first half of 2025, and Afrobeats heavyweights Rema, Davido, and Shallipopi lead the charge. Rema tops the list with “Baby (Is It a Crime),” a standout single that samples Sade’s classic and has become the most globally streamed Nigerian track so far this year. Davido dominates the list with nine entries, thanks to the global success of his fifth studio album “5ive,” while Shallipopi lands in the top ranks with his viral hit “Laho,” cementing his rise in the international music scene.
Burna Boy follows closely with five entries, including the Travis Scott-assisted “TaTaTa,” and tracks from his recently released eighth album, “No Sign of Weakness.” Rising stars Chella and Minz made notable appearances, with Chella’s “My Darling” landing at No. 4 and Minz contributing to Himra’s global hit “Number One.” Gospel artist Lawrence Oyor also earned a surprising entry with “Favour,” showcasing the diverse range of Nigerian music making waves abroad. The list reflects Afrobeats’ growing global influence, with contributions from stars like Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, Adekunle Gold, and Asake helping push Nigerian music further into international territory.
5. Chris Paul returns to the Clippers for an alleged last season
Welcome home, Chris Paul ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hvE5n8nmBY
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 21, 2025
Chris Paul is heading back to familiar ground, signing with the LA Clippers for what could be his final NBA season. According to reports, the 12-time All-Star has agreed to terms with the Clippers for his 21st year in the league, choosing Los Angeles over serious offers from the Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets, and Dallas Mavericks. The decision reportedly came down to family and familiarity, as Paul enjoyed some of his best seasons during his first stint with the Clippers and now wants to finish his storied career closer to home.
Clippers President Lawrence Frank welcomed Paul’s return with high praise, calling him “one of the most impactful players ever to wear a Clippers uniform.” Paul will join the team as a reserve point guard under head coach Tyronn Lue, embracing a veteran leadership role on a retooled roster that now includes Bradley Beal, John Collins, and Brook Lopez. Paul also took a moment to thank the San Antonio Spurs via Instagram, where he started all 82 games last season. “Proud to have been part of a franchise with such a rich history and bright future,” he wrote. As he reunites with LA, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the 40-year-old can help lead the Clippers to their first-ever NBA championship and end his career on a high note.
Featured image: Anthony Prince Leslie for Essence
Our Weekday News Digest brings you a curated selection of the most compelling stories from around the globe. This week, we delve into the latest celebrity headlines, from Hollywood to Nollywood, explore trending global news, and highlight the most exciting sports developments of 2025.
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