Nigerian superstar Tems (Temilade Openiyi) has officially become the first African female artist to secure seven entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This historic milestone was reached on February 10, 2026, when her song "What You Need" debuted at number 93 on the chart. With this seventh entry, Tems is now tied with fellow Nigerian artist Burna Boy and the South African band Seether for the most Billboard Hot 100 appearances by any African act. Tems' Billboard Hot 100 Entries Her record-breaking run includes the following tracks: "Wait For U" (with Future & Drake) – Debuted at No. 1, making her the first African artist to do so. "Essence" (with Wizkid & Justin Bieber) – Peaked at No. 9. "Fountains" (with Drake). "Free Mind" – A solo entry that broke records for longevity on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. "Move" (with Beyoncé & Grace Jones). "Raindance" (with Dave). "What You Need...

Malaysia is preparing to launch a new digital platform that will allow employers to directly recruit foreign workers, bypassing private recruitment agents. Announced by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan in early February 2026, the initiative aims to curb worker exploitation, reduce excessive recruitment fees, and eliminate the "middleman problem". Key Features of the Platform Direct Matching: Employers can connect directly with prospective workers via a centralized digital system, ensuring job descriptions and terms are clear before contracts are signed. Virtual Interviews & AI Translation: To overcome language barriers, the platform will feature virtual interview tools with AI-powered real-time translation (e.g., translating Bahasa Malaysia into a worker's mother tongue). Integrated Identification: The system is expected to utilize MyDigital ID for worker identification, salary crediting, and administrative tracking. Government-to-Government (G...

In a thrilling comeback fueled by a passionate home crowd in Busan, South Korea defeated Argentina 3-2 in the first round of the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers on February 8, 2026. The victory was particularly dramatic as the South Korean team trailed 1-2 heading into the final singles matches. The "ride home support" was the decisive factor, with the vocal Busan fans pushing the Korean players to overcome higher-ranked opponents. Key Highlights Home Crowd Advantage: Soon-Woo Kwon, who is currently completing his mandatory military service, credited the Busan fans for his pivotal fourth-rubber win, stating their loud cheering helped him remain focused while down a break in the final set. Hyeon Chung's Return: The former world No. 19, continuing his comeback from physical setbacks, secured the decisive fifth point in straight sets against Marco Trungelliti. Inexperienced Argentina Squad: Argentina competed without their top seven players, who declined to travel citing schedulin...

  On February 3, 2026, a devastating terrorist attack struck the Woro and Nuku communities in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Gunmen, identified by officials as either Boko Haram or the Islamic State-affiliated Lakurawa group, massacred at least 170 people and abducted dozens after residents reportedly rejected demands to adopt extremist ideologies. United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the "heinous" attack and reaffirmed the UN's unwavering solidarity with Nigeria in its fight against terrorism. In an X post, Antonio Guterres said, “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack of 3 February in Kwara State, Nigeria. “My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims & to the people & government of Nigeria. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.” The U.S. Mission in Nigeria described the massacre as "horrific" and "senseless violence." We express our deepest condolences to the families...

On February 6, 2026, 18 Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco began a hunger strike to protest their continued detention and the handling of their case following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. Context of the Hunger Strike Reason for Protest: The detainees claim they are being denied their "right to justice". They have reportedly been waiting since January 18 to learn the official charges against them. Language Barrier: Their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, stated that the fans were questioned by Moroccan police in French and Arabic, which they do not understand, as they only speak Wolof. Legal Delays: A scheduled court hearing on Thursday was postponed due to an ongoing lawyers' strike in Morocco, further delaying their trial. Details of the Detention Initial Arrests: The supporters were arrested in Rabat following chaotic scenes at the AFCON final, where Senegal defeated Morocco. Alleged Charges: They are being prosecuted for "hooliganism" and vi...

       Babajide Sanwo-Olu -  Governor of Lagos State The Lagos State Government has stated that content creators, including skit makers and influencers, could face criminal prosecution for using children in online content that violates child rights, is exploitative, or depicts harmful scenarios. This action addresses concerns about using minors in digital material that could degrade, sexualize, or endanger their safety. Content creators who feature children in material involving abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes, or dangerous situations may face prosecution under existing laws. The government noted that sexual abuse or exploitation of a child can result in a prison sentence. Enforcement will be carried out by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), and law enforcement. The government views involving children in content that harms their dignity, safety, or mental well-being as a criminal act. A joint s...

As of February 3, 2026, the U.S. military has officially confirmed the deployment of a "small team" of troops to Nigeria. Key Details of the Presence Mission: The team is focused on counter-terrorism efforts, providing intelligence gathering, planning support, and "unique capabilities" to assist Nigerian forces in their fight against ISIS-affiliated groups. Confirmation: The announcement was made by General Dagvin Anderson, head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), following a mutual agreement between the U.S. and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. Context: This deployment is the first public acknowledgment of U.S. ground forces in Nigeria since President Trump ordered airstrikes on Islamic State targets in the country on Christmas Day 2025. Location/Size: Officials have not released the specific size of the team or their exact location within Nigeria, though recent military activity has been concentrated in the northwest, particularly in Sokoto State. Recent Timeline Lat...