Kanye West publishes apology for “reckless” antisemitic comments, FG hails Funke Akindele on box office record, Australian Open alters schedule over extreme heat. 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. Kanye West publishes apology for “reckless” antisemitic comments
Ye (fka Kanye West) has issued a formal apology in The Wall Street Journal
“I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people” pic.twitter.com/M70U9ZiZag
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) January 26, 2026
Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, issued a public apology Monday for what he described as a history of “reckless” antisemitic comments, saying his behavior was fueled by an undiagnosed brain injury and serious mental health struggles. In a full-page advertisement published in The Wall Street Journal titled “To Those I’ve Hurt,” the hip-hop artist wrote, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people,” and expressed regret for actions he said occurred during periods when he had “lost touch with reality.” Ye acknowledged making antisemitic and racist statements in recent years, including posts in February 2025 on X in which he declared himself a Nazi and praised Adolf Hitler, remarks that sparked widespread condemnation and professional fallout.
In the advertisement, Ye said he suffered an injury to the right frontal lobe of his brain in a car accident 25 years ago that was not properly diagnosed until 2023, which he said contributed to a bipolar type-1 diagnosis and severe mental health deterioration. He described experiencing a months-long manic episode in early 2025 marked by “psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior,” during which he gravitated toward “the most destructive symbol” he could find, the swastika. Ye said he has since sought treatment, crediting medication, therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes for helping him find stability, and emphasized that he is not seeking sympathy but patience and understanding. The Anti-Defamation League previously linked at least 30 antisemitic incidents nationwide to Ye’s rhetoric, while the backlash over his comments led companies, including Adidas, to sever ties with him. Ye, who is set to release a new album on Friday, has apologized before, most recently in a 2023 Instagram post written in Hebrew, though he later reversed course in subsequent online statements.
2. FG hails Funke Akindele on box office record
What’s Popping!
Funke Akindele Remains in Front with Behind the ScenesBig screens, big stars, and even bigger numbers! Funke Akindele has done it again, and this time, she did not just break records — she shattered them.
Her latest movie titled “Behind the Scenes” has… pic.twitter.com/fOrmDTlX5t
— National Orientation Agency, Nigeria (@NOA_Nigeria) January 26, 2026
The Federal Government has congratulated Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele on the record-breaking box office performance of her latest film, Behind the Scenes, describing the achievement as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s creative industry. In a statement shared Monday on its official X account, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) said the film’s success reflects the growing global acceptance of Nigerian stories and the rising influence of Nollywood on the international stage. According to the agency, Behind the Scenes has officially grossed more than ₦2.1 billion in Nigeria, making history as the first Nollywood production to cross the ₦2 billion mark at the domestic box office.
The NOA noted that the film’s impact extended beyond Nigeria, earning over $111,256 in Canada and $190,249 across North America, signaling Nollywood’s expanding international footprint. The agency also highlighted Akindele’s record as the first filmmaker to rank number one at the African box office for three consecutive years, calling the feat a proud moment for the nation’s cultural and creative sectors. The government’s commendation comes amid widespread acclaim for the 2025 release, which has dominated local cinemas while strengthening Nigeria’s presence in global film markets. Style Rave previously reported that Akindele cemented her place in African cinema history when Behind the Scenes surpassed the ₦2 billion milestone.
3. US launches priority visa appointment system for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders
FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders who will travel to U.S. matches this year — we’re giving you prioritized access to U.S. visa appointments! If you bought a ticket directly from FIFA, you can now opt in for FIFA PASS on https://t.co/5RcZWc96K0! pic.twitter.com/ZWMallqLwK
— Department of State (@StateDept) January 24, 2026
The United States has launched a priority visa appointment system for international football fans holding tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to ease entry bottlenecks ahead of the tournament in June and July 2026. The new initiative, known as the “FIFA Pass,” allows confirmed ticket holders to request earlier visa interview slots at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, as FIFA reports record-breaking ticket sales. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, with the U.S. hosting 78 games across 11 cities, and organizers expect up to 10 million international visitors to travel across North America during the competition.
President Donald Trump said the administration has been working “tirelessly” to process fans efficiently while maintaining security standards, with the State Department targeting visa appointments within 60 days for applicants in more than 80% of countries. The department said it is deploying more than 450 additional staffers to consulates globally and has already created 300,000 additional visas, a figure projected to reach into the millions. While the FIFA Pass does not guarantee visa approval and applicants must still meet standard eligibility and security requirements, officials say it should significantly help travelers from countries with historically long wait times. Supporters from Haiti and Iran will continue to face full entry restrictions, with partial limits for the Ivory Coast and Senegal, though players and team staff are exempt. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, including most of Europe, Japan, and Australia, will continue to travel under the ESTA system without needing the FIFA Pass.
4. World’s biggest TikToker from Senegal sells company in $900m deal
Khaby Lame has entered into a $900 million acquisition and strategic partnership deal with US-listed Rich Sparkle Holdings.
The transaction grants Rich Sparkle exclusive global commercial rights to Lame’s brand for an initial 36-month period.
Lame will become a controlling… pic.twitter.com/ZTAjbCIvaE
— Business Insider Africa (@BusInsiderSSA) January 26, 2026
Khaby Lame, the Senegalese-born TikTok star and the most-followed creator on the platform, has sold his company in a landmark deal valued at approximately $900 million, marking one of the biggest commercial transactions ever involving a global digital creator. The agreement involves the partial sale of Lame’s company, Step Distinctive Limited, to U.S.-listed Rich Sparkle Holdings, which will also enter into a strategic partnership to scale his brand worldwide. Under the deal, Rich Sparkle gains exclusive global commercial rights to Lame’s brand for an initial 36-month period, covering endorsements, licensing, brand partnerships, and e-commerce, signaling a shift from traditional influencer marketing to large-scale, platform-driven creator commerce.
As part of the transaction, Lame will become a controlling shareholder in Rich Sparkle Holdings, positioning him as an equity stakeholder in the business infrastructure built around his global influence. Rich Sparkle said the integrated model, combining content traffic, operations, fulfillment, and proprietary technology, could eventually generate more than $4 billion in annual sales once fully implemented. The rollout will initially focus on the United States, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with support from China-based content commerce operator Anhui Xiaoheiyang Network Technology Co. Lame, who commands an estimated 360 million followers across social platforms, rose to fame through silent, minimalist videos that transcend language barriers, and the deal underscores how digital influence is increasingly being transformed into long-term, industrial-scale businesses.
5. Australian Open alters schedule over extreme heat
TENNIS:
The Australian Open will again bring forward the start times on Tuesday with high temperatures expected. It’s forecast to reach 45 degrees at 5pm. pic.twitter.com/GuRs984dFK— HER WAY (@herwaysports) January 26, 2026
The Australian Open has altered its schedule for the second time in four days as extreme heat continues to grip Melbourne, with temperatures forecast to exceed 42 °C on Tuesday. Tournament organizers announced that the start of the wheelchair events, featuring British defending champions Alfie Hewett, Gordon Reid, and Andy Lapthorne, has been postponed until Wednesday. Play on the outside courts, where junior matches are scheduled, has been brought forward to 9:00 a.m. local time. Meanwhile, the four singles quarterfinals, including matches involving world No. 1s Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, along with several doubles ties, will take place on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena, both equipped with retractable roofs and air-conditioning. Organizers have not confirmed whether the roofs will be closed at the start of play.
The changes come as the Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe heat warning across Victoria. This follows disruptions on Saturday when matches were suspended as temperatures approached 40 °C and the tournament’s heat scale reached its maximum. Wheelchair competitor Andy Lapthorne highlighted the heightened risks for some athletes, noting that players with spinal cord injuries may be unable to sweat and regulate body temperature effectively. Concerns have also been raised about junior players, many of whom face long days in oppressive conditions without the protection of covered courts. While officials say they have taken steps to protect players and fans, including schedule adjustments and cooling facilities, the extreme weather has once again underscored the growing challenges of managing elite sport amid rising temperatures.
Featured image: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
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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