A$AP Rocky makes musical guest debut on SNL, Singer L.A.X is engaged, Senegal beat hosts Morocco to win AFCON 2025 after a farcical walk-off. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics…
1. A$AP Rocky makes SNL musical guest debut on SNL
A$AP Rocky made his musical guest debut on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) on January 17, taking the stage at Studio 8H for the first time during the Finn Wolfhard–hosted episode. The 37-year-old rapper kicked off his appearance with a performance of “Punk Rocky,” a track from his newly released album Don’t Be Dumb. Later in the night, Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, returned for a second set, delivering a high-energy medley of “Helicopter” and the album’s title track, marking a major moment in his long-awaited return to music.
In addition to his performances, Rocky also appeared in a comedy sketch alongside Wolfhard, 23, who joined a group of teen boys on a snack-themed podcast played by Chloe Fineman, Jane Wickline, Veronika Slowikowska, and surprise guest Sabrina Carpenter. Don’t Be Dumb, Rocky’s first studio album in eight years, was released on Friday, January 16, via A$AP Worldwide and RCA Records and features collaborators including Doechii, Gorillaz, Jon Batiste, and Tyler, The Creator. The album’s cover art was designed by filmmaker Tim Burton and depicts six of Rocky’s personas in his signature visual style.
2. Singer L.A.X is engaged
L.A.X & Ella are officially engaged! 💍💜 pic.twitter.com/BpBKN8xLZD
— NoteS. (@NoteSphere) January 16, 2026
Nigerian singer and songwriter Damilola Afolabi, popularly known as L.A.X, is engaged to his longtime partner, fashion entrepreneur Ella. The 32-year-old artist announced the news on Thursday via Instagram, sharing intimate moments from the romantic proposal, which took place at a quiet riverbank. With a bouquet in hand, the “Ginger” crooner reflected on key milestones in their relationship, including trips to Tanzania, celebrating Ella’s first birthday together as a couple, and the day he asked her to be his girlfriend on May 8, 2022. The post, captioned “To loving you forever,” captured Ella accepting the proposal, marking the next chapter for the couple after four years of dating.
Ella, 25, is the founder of Wall Flower Beauty, a fashion and beauty brand specializing in accessories, such as lip gloss, cream blush, and glow drops. L.A.X, known for his signature “Zaza Vibes” sound, a blend of afrobeats, house, and amapiano, first rose to prominence in 2013 with the Wizkid-assisted hit “Caro” under Starboy Entertainment. Since then, he has collaborated with artists, including Davido, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Black Sherif, and Konshens, while releasing charting records like “Ginger,” “PEPE,” “Sempe,” and “Go Low” under his Rasaki Music imprint. His 2023 project “No Bad Vibes” further expanded his global reach, leading to a 25-city European tour and appearances at Paris Fashion Week.
3. Iran’s Supreme Leader admits thousands were killed in protests
Khamenei Admits “Thousands” Killed in Recent Protests In a speech delivered today to a group of supporters, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei acknowledged that “several thousand people” were killed during the recent nationwide protests. Throughout his remarks, he repeatedly… pic.twitter.com/MlSXjXR5bv
— Iranhrdc.org (@IHRDC) January 17, 2026
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, acknowledged on Saturday that thousands of people were killed during more than two weeks of anti-government protests across the country, while placing blame squarely on U.S. President Donald Trump. In a nationally broadcast address, Khamenei accused Trump of “openly encouraging” the unrest by urging protesters to continue demonstrations and promising U.S. military support. Calling the president a “criminal,” the 86-year-old leader said Trump was responsible for both the casualties and widespread damage that followed protests sparked in late December by anger over Iran’s worsening economic conditions.
Khamenei did not address allegations of excessive force by Iran’s security services, despite reports from human rights groups describing live fire from rooftops targeting demonstrators. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that more than 3,000 people were killed, a figure Iranian officials have disputed. In his remarks, Khamenei characterized protesters as “rioters,” claiming they were either backed by foreign powers such as the U.S. and Israel or were young people manipulated into violence, while vowing accountability for both domestic and international actors. His comments came amid continued internet disruptions, mass arrests reportedly exceeding 24,000 people, and growing international concern over potential harsh punishments for those involved in the unrest.
4. Tyla covers Vogue China
tyla by kat irlin for vogue china ⋆⭒˚.⋆ pic.twitter.com/WGn3EkA5ZV
— DUDA (@saintdemie) January 17, 2026
Tyla has landed the cover of Vogue China, marking another major milestone in her rapid rise as a global pop and fashion force. For the high-fashion feature, the South African star stepped away from traditional couture in favor of a raw, rebellious aesthetic that underscores her effortless it-girl appeal. Shot against bold, minimalist backdrops, the cover highlights Tyla’s ability to command attention with ease, reinforcing her growing influence beyond music and into the international fashion space.
Styled by Alvin Yu, Tyla’s standout look features a tiny backless crop top paired with micro denim shorts defined by heavily distressed, ripped edges, a combination that blends streetwear edge with high-end polish. Knee-high black boots added a dose of diva energy, grounding the look with confidence and attitude. The shoot, captured by photographer Kat Irlin, leaned into a fresh, dewy glow created by makeup artist Ngozi Edeme, while Yusef Williams styled Tyla’s hair into a sleek bob and Pi Changnam delivered a clean, minimalist manicure. By making ripped shorts Vogue-worthy, Tyla once again proved that her signature “popiano” style can translate seamlessly across music, fashion, and global culture.
5. Senegal beat hosts Morocco to win AFCON 2025 after farcical walk-off
SENEGAL ARE AFCON CHAMPIONS 🇸🇳🏆 pic.twitter.com/gLDjAyoN4A
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 18, 2026
Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time after edging hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time amid chaotic scenes in the AFCON 2025 final, which was marred by a controversial late penalty decision and a brief walk-off. The match swung five minutes into stoppage time when a VAR review led referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to award Morocco a penalty, prompting Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw to order his players off the pitch in protest. After a 14-minute delay and persuasion from captain Sadio Mane, Senegal returned, only for Morocco’s Brahim Diaz to squander the moment by attempting a weak Panenka that was easily saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Galvanised by the escape, Senegal struck decisively in the fourth minute of extra time when Pape Gueye powered into the box and beat Yassine Bounou with a superb finish to silence the home crowd in Rabat. Morocco pressed desperately for an equaliser and struck the crossbar through Nayef Aguerd. However, they could not force penalties, extending their long wait for a second continental title. The dramatic victory gave Senegal their second AFCON crown in three editions, following their 2022 triumph, and capped a tense, low-scoring final that will be remembered as much for its controversy as for Gueye’s title-winning goal.
Featured image: @HipHopAllDay/X
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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