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Rave News Digest: Olivia Dean Named Billboard’s 2025 Rookie Of The Year, Wizkid Responds To Seun Kuti, Naomi Osaka + More

Rave News Digest: Olivia Dean Named Billboard’s 2025 Rookie Of The Year, Wizkid Responds To Seun Kuti, Naomi Osaka + More

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Olivia Dean named Billboard’s 2025 Rookie of the Year, Wizkid finally reacts to Seun Kuti’s endless brawl with his fanbase, Naomi Osaka makes grand entrance and big fashion statement at Australian Open. 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. Olivia Dean has been named Billboard’s 2025 Rookie of the Year

British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean has been named Billboard’s 2025 Rookie of the Year, a milestone honor that underscores her rapid rise from UK favorite to global breakout star. The recognition follows a banner year fueled by the success of her sophomore album, The Art of Loving, which continues to gain momentum on both sides of the Atlantic. Released in September 2025, the project has topped the Official UK Albums Chart for a fifth non-consecutive week, propelled by standout tracks such as “Nice to Each Other,” “Lady Lady,” and “Man I Need,” all of which showcase Dean’s soulful, genre-blending sound and growing appeal in the United States.

Born Olivia Lauryn Dean in London in 1999, the Walthamstow-raised artist was named after Lauryn Hill and educated at the prestigious BRIT School, where she initially studied theatre before turning her focus to songwriting. She began writing music in her mid-teens, teaching herself guitar and piano, and later gained industry attention after a graduation performance led to management and work as a backing vocalist for Rudimental. Her debut album, Messy (2023), earned widespread critical acclaim and a Mercury Prize shortlist nomination, laying the groundwork for her current success. With the Billboard endorsement as the 2025 Rookie of the Year and growing chart dominance, Olivia Dean is entering 2026 as one of the most promising new voices in contemporary pop and soul.

2. Wizkid finally reacts to Seun Kuti’s endless brawl with his fanbase

Afrobeats superstar Wizkid has finally reacted to the ongoing online feud between Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti and Wizkid’s fanbase, popularly known as Wizkid FC. The Grammy-winning artist addressed the controversy indirectly by sharing a video on his Instagram story in which a woman angrily criticizes Seun Kuti in Yoruba over his repeated attacks on Wizkid’s supporters. Although Wizkid did not add a personal caption to the post, the video was widely interpreted as his response to days of heated exchanges on social media surrounding claims of disrespect toward the legacy of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

The clash began after Seun Kuti accused Wizkid FC of dishonoring his late father by comparing Wizkid to the Afrobeat pioneer, arguing that such comparisons attempt to rewrite history and diminish Fela’s cultural impact. Seun, in a viral video, urged fans to stop referencing his father in discussions about modern Afrobeats success. Wizkid’s supporters have denied making such comparisons, insisting they respect Fela’s legacy. The dispute has since sparked broader conversations online about generational influence, musical legacy, and respect within Nigeria’s evolving Afrobeats scene, with Wizkid’s latest reaction adding fuel to an already polarizing debate.

3. Anthony Joshua’s driver appears in court after crash that killed two

The driver who was behind the wheel when Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car crash that killed two members of the boxer’s team has appeared in court in Nigeria. Adeniyi Kayode, 46, was brought before the Sagamu Magistrates Court in Ogun State on Tuesday in connection with the December 29 crash near Lagos. Kayode faces four charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s license. The hearing was adjourned until February 25 after prosecutors requested additional time to seek legal advice. Kayode, who was previously granted bail of five million naira, did not address the court during the proceedings.

The crash occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck, killing his personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami, who were both pronounced dead at the scene. Joshua, 36, was injured in the accident and treated in a hospital before being discharged two days later. Following the tragedy, the former heavyweight champion paid tribute to both men in an emotional Instagram post, describing them as “great men” and expressing sympathy for their families. Joshua, who has family roots in Sagamu, was reportedly traveling to the area to visit relatives for New Year celebrations at the time of the crash.

4. Sir David Beckham speaks out just hours after son Brooklyn’s statement against him and wife, Victoria

Sir David Beckham has spoken publicly just hours after his son, Brooklyn Beckham, released a lengthy and emotional social media statement criticizing both him and his wife, Victoria. In an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box in the United States, the former Manchester United and England star addressed the family dispute without directly naming his son, saying that “children are allowed to make mistakes.” Brooklyn, 26, had earlier shared a six-page post accusing his parents of being controlling and of trying to undermine his marriage to actress Nicola Peltz, while also claiming his mother embarrassed him during his wedding. He added that he was “standing up for myself for the first time” and made it clear he had no desire to reconcile with his family.

Reflecting on the role of social media and life in the public eye, Sir David emphasized both its dangers and its positive potential, noting that he has tried to educate his children about using platforms responsibly. He also spoke about balancing life between the UK and the US, saying he feels fortunate to call both home as he continues his work with Inter Miami and global charity efforts. Meanwhile, reports suggest the rift has been building for some time, with sources claiming Brooklyn and Peltz feel a breakdown in trust left them unable to continue trying to repair the relationship privately. As one of the world’s most famous families, the Beckhams’ dispute is expected to remain under intense public scrutiny in the weeks ahead.

5. Naomi Osaka makes grand entrance and big fashion statement at Australian Open

Naomi Osaka made a dramatic and fashion-forward entrance at the Australian Open, turning heads before she even struck a ball. The four-time Grand Slam champion walked onto Rod Laver Arena wearing a wide-brim hat with a veil and carrying a white parasol adorned with butterflies, signaling confidence as much as style. The bold walk-on paid off on Tuesday night, as Osaka backed up the moment with a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 first-round victory over Antonia Ruzic to close out Day 3. Aware of the risk that comes with such a high-profile entrance, Osaka later joked that she told herself to stay focused, adding that even in defeat she would “at least be trending” on social media.

The symbolic butterflies referenced a memorable moment from her 2021 title run in Melbourne, while her blue-and-green dress paid tribute to her daughter, Shai, and her fascination with jellyfish. Born in Japan and raised in the United States, Osaka has long blended sport and style, drawing inspiration from Venus and Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, whom she has called the “G.O.A.T.s of style.” The outfit, which took months to plan, also aligned seamlessly with the newly remodeled Rod Laver Arena tunnel featuring ocean and coastal themes. With renewed confidence after reaching the U.S. Open semifinals last year, Osaka now advances to face Sorana Cirstea as she continues her latest Australian Open campaign.

Featured image: Lola Mansell

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 2026.

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