Serena Williams to executive produce Netflix adaptation of “Carrie Soto is Back,” Davido unveils tracklist for upcoming album “5ive,” Alex Iwobi set to drop music collab with Odumodublvck. 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. Serena Williams to executive produce Netflix adaptation of “Carrie Soto is Back”
Serena Williams Executive Producing ‘Carrie Soto Is Back’ Tennis Drama Series In Works At Netflix https://t.co/akdVbEDq5q
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) April 14, 2025
Tennis icon Serena Williams is stepping into a new arena as executive producer of Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of “Carrie Soto is Back,” Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel about a legendary tennis champion. The news was confirmed by Williams via social media, marking a full-circle moment for the 23-time Grand Slam winner, whose own storied career has influenced countless depictions of tennis in pop culture. The project is being adapted and written by Amanda Kate Shuman. It promises a compelling mix of sports drama and emotional grit as it follows Carrie Soto, a fierce and unapologetic athlete who comes out of retirement at 37 to defend her world record of 20 Slam titles.
Although the character of Carrie Soto is not directly based on Williams, Jenkins Reid has acknowledged that Serena and Venus Williams were major inspirations during her writing process. “I wouldn’t write a book about tennis without the influence of just the absolute glory that has been their journey,” the author said in a 2022 interview. With reports also saying that the show will be “loosely inspired” by Serena’s story, viewers can expect subtle parallels to the tennis legend’s real-life path to greatness. This latest project continues Williams’ growing portfolio as a producer, following her involvement in the 2024 docuseries “In the Arena: Serena Williams” and 2021’s critically acclaimed biopic “King Richard.”
2. Davido unveils tracklist for upcoming album “5ive”
Davido unveils tracklist of his 5th studio album “5ive”. pic.twitter.com/izLigBtgOt
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) April 14, 2025
Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has unveiled the official tracklist for his highly anticipated fifth studio album, “5ive,” set to drop on April 18. The singer announced via his social media pages on Monday, April 14, sharing a teaser from the album along with the full list of featured collaborators. “Legacy is not what you leave behind, but what you breathe into the future. 72 hours away! Thank you for the love & support,” Davido captioned the post, sparking excitement among fans worldwide.
The “5ive” album brings together a powerful mix of African and international talents, reinforcing Davido’s position as a global music force. Nigerian acts such as Victony, Omah Lay, Odumodublvck, and Chike make notable appearances, alongside South Africa’s Musa Keys, a returning collaborator from Davido’s Grammy-nominated hit “Unavailable.” On the global front, the album features American R&B star Chris Brown, Grammy-nominated Victoria Monét, Jamaican artists Shenseea and 450, Latin pop sensation Becky G, and French hitmakers Tay C and Dadju. With early singles like “Funds” and “Awuke” already gaining momentum, “5ive” promises to push the boundaries of Afrobeats while celebrating cultural diversity.
3. Paapa Essiedu cast as Snape in “Harry Potter” Series
Paapa Essiedu is officially confirmed to play Severus Snape in HBO’s “Harry Potter” television series. https://t.co/Geny6vAsRs pic.twitter.com/Ny6OyOgmTr
— Variety (@Variety) April 14, 2025
HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series has found its Severus Snape in British-Ghanaian actor Paapa Essiedu, best known for his roles in “I May Destroy You” and “The Lazarus Project.” The casting announcement has stirred lively discussion across social media, with fans debating the reinterpretation of the iconic character. Essiedu joins a star-studded ensemble that includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. While the series is billed as a “faithful” adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s original books, streaming platform Max has yet to confirm how each season will be structured to the seven-book saga.
Essiedu’s casting marks another step in the ongoing shift toward more inclusive representation in major franchises. Comparisons have already been drawn to similar moments in recent pop culture, including Halle Bailey’s Ariel in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and Zendaya’s MJ in Marvel’s “Spider-Man” films. Some fans applaud the decision as bold, while others question its loyalty to the source material. Nonetheless, Essiedu’s portrayal promises to offer a fresh perspective on a complex character, allowing a new generation to experience the wizarding world in a different way.
4. Lil Nas X says one side of his face is paralyzed
Lil Nas X reveals he’s lost control of the right side of his face. pic.twitter.com/qSBc7cEs3U
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 15, 2025
Singer and rapper Lil Nas X has revealed that he is experiencing partial facial paralysis. In a video shared on Instagram on Monday, the Grammy-winning artist, born Montero Lamar Hill, told fans he had “lost control” of the right side of his face. Appearing in a hospital gown, Lil Nas X demonstrated the effects of the condition by attempting to smile, saying, “And when I smile, this is me doing a full smile right now by the way.” Despite struggling to move part of his face, the “Old Town Road” hitmaker remained upbeat, even joking, “Bro, I can’t even laugh right.”
The post quickly drew an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities, including actress Taraji P. Henson, who wrote, “Get well baby.” Many speculated that the artist might be experiencing Bell’s palsy, a temporary condition that causes muscle weakness on one side of the face. On Tuesday, Lil Nas X reassured fans via his Instagram Stories that he’s doing OK and urged them not to worry. Sharing a hopeful update, he posted another short video attempting to smile and wink, noting, “Smile getting a lil better.”
5. Alex Iwobi set to drop music collab with Odumodublvck
🚨- Shank previewed a new song by Alex Iwobi ft ODUMODUBLVCK dropping this Thursday 😭🔥🔊🎵 pic.twitter.com/La2UZh4lgG
— Shank Updates (@Shank_updates) April 13, 2025
Nigerian footballer Alex Iwobi is making headlines with his unexpected entry into music, collaborating with hip-hop artist Odumodublvck on a new single set to be released this Thursday, April 17. The teaser, generating buzz on social media, features a street-savvy sound with bold lyricism and a confident verse from Iwobi. Known for his flair on the football pitch, he is ready to bring his energy into the music world.
This collaboration is an exciting crossover between sports and music, uniting two prominent figures in Nigerian pop culture. Fans have embraced this creative fusion as a reflection of the country’s diverse talent. As the release date nears, anticipation grows among supporters eager to see how Iwobi’s debut track will connect with the dynamic Odumodublvck.
Featured Image: @FilmUpdates/X
Our Weekday News Digest summarizes five of the hottest news topics worldwide–including celebrity news from Hollywood to Nollywood, the latest trending global headlines from American reports to top African news today, and the best sports stories in 2025.
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