Tems Stunned in Bold Blue as She Accepted the Diamond Award at Billboard’s Global Power Players Night
Tems walked into the room, picked up the Diamond Award, and reminded us—yet again—why she’s in a league of her own. At the first-ever Billboard Global Power Players event held in London, the Nigerian singer-songwriter was honoured for her cultural and musical impact on the global stage. But before she took the mic to thank literally the world, she did what Tems always does first: she wore the moment. Tems stepped out in a blue mini dress that whispered “effortless” but screamed “icon.” The off-the-shoulder number featured delicate ruching and a single braided detail running down the front—a subtle flex of texture and structure. Paired with soft waves, understated glam, and minimal gold jewellery, the look said everything without saying too much. It wasn’t just a red carpet win—it was a style thesis. One that said: you don’t need to overdo it when your presence already carries weight. After being introduced by Nkosiyati Khumalo, Billboard Africa’s incoming editor, Tems delivered a speech that hit all the right notes. She acknowledged not just the honour of receiving the Diamond Award, but the significance of the moment for African music. “Being African and a musician is a whole new world,” she said. “This has been a really great honour, especially given that African music is moving to heights that have never been seen before, and Billboard is one of the key players in moving that needle forward.” While the Billboard Global Power Players event was packed with influential names from across the music industry, Tems was undeniably the moment. With this Diamond Award, she joins a rare class of global creatives who are not just riding the wave of African music’s rise—but shaping it. See all the stunning photos from the night below—and take notes. Photo Credit: Tems/Instagram
Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin Have Split After 8 Years—And Honestly, I’m Not Okay
We regret to inform you that Chrota—yes, we’re still calling them that—is officially no more. After eight very cozy, very private years together, Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin have decided to call it quits. And yes, it’s devastating. The Materialists star and the Coldplay frontman were the kind of couple that didn’t need red carpets or matching outfits to prove their bond. They just existed—quietly, effortlessly, and always in Malibu. So naturally, this breakup feels like the end of an indie film we didn’t know we were watching. Wait, Weren’t They Just in India Together? Yes. Yes, they were. Dakota had recently joined Chris while he was touring in India, and they were seen together in Malibu not long before that. Despite rumors of a split last August, her rep was quick to shut things down, confirming they were still “happily together.” Fast forward to June 4, and now multiple sources are confirming the breakup to People—and apparently, this time it’s final. So… What Happened? In true Hollywood fashion, the exact reason for the breakup is vague—“little things kept adding up,” according to The Daily Mail. One insider claims Dakota fought hard to keep the relationship alive, particularly because of her bond with Chris’s kids, Apple and Moses (forever icons, name-wise). Another source told The Sun that age and family planning were dealbreakers. Dakota, 35, reportedly still had hopes of having children, while Chris, 48, felt he’d already ticked that box. “They really tried,” the insider said. “But the age gap kept creeping in.” Were They Secretly Engaged? Apparently, yes. According to People, Dakota and Chris had been “quietly engaged for years” but were in no rush to walk down the aisle. Dakota even sparked ring rumors back in 2020 when she was spotted wearing a chunky emerald stunner on that finger. Our Final Words on Chrota In a world full of PR stunts and red carpet theatrics, Dakota and Chris were refreshingly low-key. No couple selfies, no matching tattoos—just lots of privacy, and, allegedly, a lot of cozy house parties. And now? Just heartbreak. As for Dakota, insiders say she’s “devastated” about not being around Chris’s kids anymore. We’re devastated about… all of it. Here’s to eight years of low-key love, soft-core indie romance, and whatever “Fix You” now sounds like post-breakup. Wishing them healing, clarity—and hopefully a rebound we can root for.
Emily Ratajkowski Channels Coastal Cool in Gucci’s GG Monogram Campaign at Cannes
Gucci has always been fluent in glamour—but the brand’s latest campaign set against the soft glow of Cannes proves it’s just as fluent in contradiction. Starring Emily Ratajkowski and shot by documentary-style street photographer Daniel Arnold, the new visuals celebrate Gucci’s ever-iconic GG Monogram, reframed through themes of stillness and movement, presence and ease. In a series of images that feel part candid, part curated, we see Emrata glide from cobblestone city scenes to the calm shores of the French Riviera. Whether surrounded by crowds or oceanside solitude, the GG Monogram remains a quiet constant—timeless, tactile, and unmistakably Gucci. At the heart of the campaign? A showcase of signature silhouettes: Debuted during Gucci’s Cruise 2026 show in Florence, the Giglio bag is more than just arm candy. It’s a love letter to heritage—named after the fleur-de-lis emblem synonymous with Florence since the Middle Ages. Tapping into over 100 years of craftsmanship, the Giglio balances archival romance with 2026-ready edge. For the minimalists who love a monogram, the new chapter of Gucci’s Ophidia collection features GG Monogram-coated canvas, forest green cotton lining, and that signature Web stripe that whispers quiet luxury. And yes—the Mini GG duffle has been downsized and redefined for modern wearers. What happens when a heritage house plays on duality at Cannes? A campaign that feels as thoughtful as it is iconic. With Emily Ratajkowski as the effortlessly cool muse and the GG Monogram as the ever-present thread, Gucci delivers a visual story that bridges generations—and wardrobes. Take a closer look at the campaign above and shop the collection now at Gucci.com.
Nigerian-American Star Kiki Iriafen Named WNBA Rookie of the Month!
If you didn’t know her name before May 2025, you definitely do now. Kiki Iriafen has arrived—and she’s already making WNBA history. The Nigerian-American Washington Mystics forward has just been crowned the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Month, making her the first-ever Mystics player to receive the honour. Let’s be clear: she didn’t just show up—she dominated. A Rookie Stat Line That Reads Like a Veteran’s Résumé Across seven games in her first month as a pro, Iriafen averaged 13.9 points and 10.1 rebounds, while shooting an impressive 47.4% from the field. That performance ranked her: Oh, and she didn’t stop there. From May 18 to 25, Iriafen posted four consecutive double-doubles, a feat that only one other rookie—Natalie Williams in 1999—has managed in WNBA history. To top it off, she became the fastest Mystics rookie ever to hit 50 points and 50 rebounds. Not even the franchise’s greats moved that quickly. Joining the Legends—In Just One Month Let’s talk context. The last WNBA rookie to average at least 12 points, 10 rebounds, and over 47% shooting in their opening month? That would be Tina Charles in 2010. The last time any Mystics player hit that mark? Crystal Langhorne, fifteen years ago. In short, Iriafen’s doing what hasn’t been done in over a decade—on both league and franchise levels. And she’s doing it straight out the gate. What’s Next for Iriafen? Currently averaging 14.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 51.7% shooting in just 28.3 minutes per game, the 2025 No. 4 overall pick isn’t just meeting expectations—she’s exceeding them with poise, power, and precision.
Veekee James Steals the Show in Ghanaian Kente at “Iyalode” Premiere
In a moment that felt equal parts movie star and monarch, Veekee walked in draped in a custom Ghanaian kente gown that could’ve easily doubled as architectural sculpture—if buildings wore sequins and had better posture. The look wasn’t begging for attention. It already had it. Made in Ghana and soaked in West African artistry, the gown was a maximalist fever dream: rich reds, coral flashes, sneaky hits of green, and beadwork so intricate it could’ve passed for mosaic. Sculpted at the waist, clenched at the hips, and anchored by sharp, defined shoulders—Veekee’s silhouette was less “red carpet ready” and more “get out of my frame, I am the frame.” The scoop neckline? Soft enough to say, “I’m approachable.” The high braided updo? A quiet flex that said, “But also, I don’t do chaos.” And don’t even get us started on the red clutch—textured, tonal, and visually in sync like it was styled by intuition, not Pinterest. It’s not new for Veekee to serve a lewk. But what she did here was serve context. A nod to heritage. A lesson in tailoring. A warning shot to every influencer who thinks a corset counts as couture. The dress wasn’t just fashion. It was finesse. And for anyone still unsure if she knew the weight of what she wore? The smirk, the stance, the “I planned this months ago” glow on her face said it all. The only thing unchic about this moment was everyone else’s attempt to compete. See more photos. (Or just save them. You’ll need references.) Photo Credit: Veekee James/Instagram
Inside Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Sandra Jerze’s Effortlessly Stylish Wedding Weekend
It started with a sock. That’s where Premier League striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin stashed the ring—tucked inside his suitcase—for the entire sun-drenched holiday in Sardinia. Six almost-proposals later, with timing never quite right and nerves running high, he finally got his perfect moment: a private beach, a 2001 bottle of Sandra’s favourite Sassicaia, and a sunset straight from the movies. “I’m not the best organiser,” he admits. “Sandy is the planner. I just needed it to feel right—and somehow it took until the very last day.” She said yes. But their love story had been unfolding quietly for three years already, ever since that fateful night at London’s Chiltern Firehouse, where mutual friends and magnetic chemistry collided. Sandra—model, interior designer, and low-key bridal visionary—was based in Switzerland at the time. Dominic, in Manchester. “We kept meeting up in London,” he recalls. “Then Sandy came up to Manchester for a few days…”“…And I never left,” she grins. By summer 2023, their daughter Ahava had arrived. Nearly a year later, the proposal. And then, in a crisply-lit weekend in March, timed to the international football break, came the wedding. The weekend kicked off with an intimate civil ceremony at The Old Marylebone Town Hall. Just the couple and their parents. Sandra wore a Karl Lagerfeld-era Chanel jacquard two-piece—sourced via a perfectly impulsive Google search and Farfetch click. “I knew what I wanted. I typed it in. I saw the listing and just bought it,” she says. Dominic wore a bespoke Andréa Kọsta suit—the first of three custom pieces he’d wear that weekend. “No pressure, no frills,” he says of the first day. “Just us.” The next day, the mood shifted into full celebration. Sixty guests gathered at The NoMad Hotel, a venue that reminded the couple of their Chiltern beginnings. The brief: soul classics, soft florals, warm light, and zero stiffness. The priest? Also a musician. The vibe? Think Motown-tinged supper club, with a touch of candlelit mischief. Sandra walked down the aisle in a long-sleeved, embroidered lace Dana Harel gown—the first (and only) wedding dress she tried on. But not before surprising Dom with a pre-recorded message from baby Ahava playing through the speakers. “I was crying before I even saw her,” Dominic says. The cake was Biscoff and four-tiered, cloaked in roses. The dance floor? Instant magic. Sandra’s final outfit change of the evening was a silk corseted Danielle Frankel number, made for spinning through the night. The weekend wrapped with a cozy, candlelit lunch—just their nearest and dearest, a lot of laughter, and more exceptional wine. “It got messy,” laughs Dom. “You don’t want to see those pictures.” What began with a sock and a secret Sassicaia ended in three dresses, a crying groom, and a Chanel suit that started it all. And somewhere between the soul music, rose-stacked cake, and whispered vows, Sandra and Dominic did what all the best couples do: they made their own rules.
Angelina Jolie’s Daughter Debuts a New Name—And a New Era—at Isabel Marant’s Fashion Bash
The girl once known as Shiloh Jolie-Pitt has officially stepped into her next act—and she’s dropping syllables (and surnames) to do it. In a rare and quietly radical move, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s daughter, now going by “Shi,” made a subtle yet statement-making debut at Isabel Marant’s fashion dinner with Net-A-Porter in Los Angeles. But instead of walking the red carpet in head-to-toe designer, the 19-year-old chose to let her moves do the talking. Because Shi wasn’t just attending—she was choreographing. Yes, choreographing. As in: leading the creative charge behind a dance performance during singer Luella’s live rendition of “Naïve.” The routine, brought to life by dancers Keoni Rose and Tako Suzuki, was a poetic, physical moment curated by Shi—who spent most of the night not networking by the champagne, but vibing with the dance crew backstage. No soft launch here—this is a career pivot in motion. The reintroduction of Shiloh as Shi felt intentional. It’s still unclear whether “Shi” is a full-time name change, a stage alias, or a new personal era à la Zendaya or Rihanna (single-name icons only, please), but what is clear is that the young Jolie is stepping away from the glare of celebrity child fame and crafting her own lane—through movement, not movies. And this isn’t her first quiet rebellion. Soon after turning 18, Shi made headlines for legally dropping “Pitt” from her surname, reportedly choosing to go by her mother’s last name only. It was a subtle, symbolic shift that now feels like the prelude to a larger personal and artistic evolution. She didn’t come to the event alone—though she may as well have. Shi mingled briefly during cocktail hour but kept close to the dancers, suggesting she’s not here for fame’s sake but for the art. Also in attendance: Hollywood cool girls like Rachel Bilson, Milla Jovovich, Allison Brie, and January Jones.
Gaga Rises from the Dead (Literally) with Purple-Grey Hair and a Bouffant
Leave it to Lady Gaga to rise out of a coffin with a purple-grey bouffant and call it a Saturday night. In what might be her most theatrical transformation since that raw meat dress era, the pop-cultural shape-shifter showed off a goth-glam resurrection ahead of her Netflix Tudum performance—and yes, the internet is still gagging. Wearing what can only be described as purple haze meets Mad Men, Gaga’s new hairstyle was a bouffant masterpiece—voluminous, slicked-back, high at the crown, and glazed in a grayish violet hue that said, “I see your subtle balayage and raise you a full-on beauty exorcism.” This was no ordinary selfie drop. Moments later, Gaga literally emerged from a coffin (as one does) to perform the Wednesday dance, teasing her upcoming guest role in Wednesday Season 2. We don’t know who she’s playing yet, but judging by the hair, it’s either a gothic opera diva or Morticia’s distant cousin with a Haus Labs discount code. And let’s talk beauty. Gaga paired her towering tresses with bleached brows (classic), a subtle peach lip stain, and barely-there mascara—because when your hair is doing that much heavy lifting, your face can take the day off. Style-wise, she kept it moody and sheer. A black collared blouse, fishnet tights, a tailored black vest, and just enough diamonds to pay off your rent for the next decade. Front and center? That multi-watt engagement ring from longtime love Michael Polansky, casually twinkling as she whispered sweet goth nothings into Netflix’s Instagram feed. But don’t get too cozy with this look—because for her actual Tudum set, Gaga switched gears (again).She hit the stage to perform “Zombieboy,” “Abracadabra,” and “Bloody Mary” in a teased platinum mane, a structured red dress, porcelain skin, and enough black eyeshadow to summon three seasons of American Horror Story. A real-time transformation that gave us everything from undead glam to crimson cult leader. She didn’t reveal her Wednesday role just yet, but she’ll be joining OGs like Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Luis Guzmán when Season 2 hits Netflix in August.
Did Jennifer Hudson Just Have the Most Awkward Interview with Eddie Murphy? Social Media Reacts!
Jennifer Hudson found herself at the center of a mild social media storm this week after an awkward exchange with comedy legend Eddie Murphy on The Jennifer Hudson Show. The topic? His son’s secret wedding to Martin Lawrence’s daughter, Jasmin Lawrence. (Yes, those family ties. We’re living in a sitcom.) The convo started off fine—Eddie shared that his son, Eric Murphy, and Jasmin had ditched the big wedding plans and opted for a private ceremony instead. Just the two of them and a preacher. Simple, sweet, and not a lot of guest-list drama. But then… Jennifer spiraled. “Are you going to sing at your son’s… or is it your daughter’s wedding, right?” she asked, already skating on shaky ground. Eddie gently clarified that his son had already gotten married, and nope, there was no wedding-singing needed. They eloped. No grand affair. No aisle. No mic. Case closed? Not quite. Jennifer, bless her hosting heart, asked again if he had sung at the wedding. Cue Eddie’s second patient “No, there wasn’t a wedding.” By the third time she circled back to the same question—“Would you sing at a future wedding?”—social media had officially tapped in. “The man said they went off, just the two of them. She’s gonna then ask him, ‘Did you sing at the wedding?’ Baby, PAY ATTENTION omg,” one user tweeted. “She asked him THREE times. ‘Are you going to sing?’ WOMAN. THEY ARE ALREADY MARRIED,” another chimed in, channeling all of us who sat through the cringe. Others noted Jennifer wasn’t holding any cue cards and probably should have been. “She needs them bad!” wrote one commenter, clearly over it. Now look—we love J.Hud. The girl can sang, she can act, and she’s worked her way into daytime royalty. But being a great host means more than a warm smile and good lighting. You’ve gotta actually hear your guests, not just wait to speak again. As one viewer said, “She doesn’t listen to a single thing people say.” Ouch. To be fair, live interviews are unpredictable, and we’ve all had moments where the lights are on but no one’s reading the script. Still, with big names like Eddie Murphy on the couch, maybe it’s time to bring the cue cards and the context.
Ariana Grande Is Joining the Fockerverse—Yes, That Fockerverse
Well, well, well… look who’s meeting the parents. Ariana Grande is officially in her comedy era. After floating down from Oz with an Oscar nomination for Wicked (as she should), Ari has signed on for something a little… less green and a lot more awkward. We’re talking Meet The Parents 4, baby. Yes, that franchise. Yes, Little Fockers happened. No, we don’t talk about it. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ariana will play the fiancée of Ben Stiller’s character’s son—a role described as a “ball-busting woman who seems all wrong for him.” (Bold of them to assume we won’t be rooting for her regardless.) She’ll be joining comedy legends Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Blythe Danner, and Teri Polo in the fourth installment of the franchise that gave us “I have nipples, Greg. Could you milk me?” Ariana herself confirmed the casting via Instagram Stories with a very Ari-coded message: “very thrilled to be joining (meeting) the family!!!!!!!” We love a good parenthetical pun. If you’re thinking, Ariana Grande in a slapstick family comedy?, remember—this girl cut her teeth on Victorious and Sam & Cat. She’s no stranger to comedic timing (or a weird family dynamic, tbh). And according to Wicked co-star/boyfriend Ethan Slater, she’s a certified comedy queen. “My unbiased opinion is that she’s one of the best comedians that’s been in a movie in a long time,” he told GQ. Mmm. Unbiased. Sure, Jan. Insiders say Ari was extremely selective post-Wicked, turning down multiple offers from Universal, Sony, and Warner Bros—even passing on a comedy where she could’ve handpicked her co-star. Translation: this Focker flick must be funny. Meet The Parents 4 is slated to hit theaters November 25, 2026. That gives us just over a year to emotionally prepare for the moment Ariana Grande says “You can’t handle the Fock.” (Not a real quote. Yet.)