Entertainment
Jay-Z accused of raping teen with Diddy in civil suit
Musician and producer Jay-Z was accused in a lawsuit submitted Sunday of raping a 13-year-old with hip-hop star Sean Combs in the year 2000, court documents show, claims denied by Jay-Z.
An updated complaint in a civil case against Combs alleges that Jay-Z, whose name is Shawn Carter, and Combs raped the girl at an after-party following the MTV Video Music Awards in September of 2000.
“Another celebrity stood by and watched as Combs and Carter took turns assaulting the minor. Many others were present at the after party, but did nothing to stop the assault,” the complaint reads.
“Carter has been with Combs during many such instances described herein. Both perpetrators must face justice.”
Jay-Z had originally been identified in the complaint as “Celebrity A”, the update lawsuit states, accusing Carter of filing a “frivolous” counter suit.
The plaintiff is not identified in the lawsuit.
Jay-Z fired back at the lawyer bringing the case, accusing him of being a “deplorable human.”
“My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee. What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are,” said a statement published on X by Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation.
“These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whoever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree? These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.”
Carter, 55, is a billionaire record producer and entrepreneur who started out as a rapper and is now married to superstar Beyonce.
Buzbee, the lawyer bringing the action against Jay-Z, told AFP “the pleading speaks for itself. This is a very serious matter that will be litigated in court.”
Rapper Combs, known as “Diddy,” has separately been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering.
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs, 55, sexually abused women and coerced them into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his criminal trial is currently slated to begin on May 5, 2025.
Combs has also faced a massive wave of suits promised by lawyers including Texas attorney Buzbee, who said in October that more than 100 alleged victims were planning legal action against him.
AFP
Award-winning singer Tems has won the Best Recording of the Year award at the 17th Headies awards for her captivating single “Burning”.
The song, featured on her 18-track album “Born in the Wild”, showcases her exceptional artistry and musical prowess.
Tems was up against stiff competition, beating out fellow nominees Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr ft Giveon, Sarz, and Lojay.
The award, one of the most prestigious in Nigerian music, was announced and received by Tems’ mother.
Since its inception in 2006 as the Hip Hop World Awards, The Headies has grown into the most respected music award platform in Nigeria, celebrating the country’s biggest talents year after year.
Award-winning Afrobeat star, David Adeleke, also known as Davido won the Best Digital Artiste of the Year at the 17th annual Headies Awards.
A well-deserved crown, considering his outstanding influence across streaming platforms and online spaces.
Davido’s collaborative track, “Ogechi Remix” with Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel, also received multiple nominations.
The Headies, which celebrates excellence in the Nigerian music industry, held its 17th edition on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos.
The event gathered some of the industry’s biggest stars in a night of high-profile performances and recognitions.
Other major winners included Zerry DL, Tems, Funke Akindele, and Rema.
Full list of winners:
Rookie of the Year
Zerry DL — Winner
Taves
Kaestyle
Llona
Soundtrack of the Year
“Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack) — Winner
“Eledumare” – Teledalase (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)
“Lose to Gain” – Kaline (Breathe of Life)
“Kill Boro” – Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)
“Orisa” – Beriola (Orisa)
“Emotions” – Tiwa Savage and Asa (Water and Garri)
Best Recording of the Year
“Burning” – Tems — Winner
“Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez
“Higher” – Burna Boy
“Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr and Giveon
“Billions” – Sarz and Lojay
Best Vocal Performance (Male)
“Billions” – Lojay — Winner
“Moving” – Omah Lay
“Gratitude” – Anendlessocean
“For You” – Johnny Drille
“Ke Na Ke So” – Timi Dakolo
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
“I’m Done” – Liya — Winner
“Last Song Heartbreak” – Ayra Starr
“Level” – Niniola
“Stranger” – Simi
“Tomorrow” – Yemi Alade
Special Recognition Award Recipients
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos
Alex Okosi
Amaju Pinnick
Songwriter of the Year
“Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi) — Winner
“Stranger” – Simisola Kosoko (Simi)
“Can’t Breathe” – Michael Ajuma Attah (Llona)
“Family Meeting” – Emoseh Khamofu (Bloody Civilian)
“Stages of Life” – Fuayefika Maxwell (Wizard Chan)
Humanitarian Award Recipients
Temitola Adekunle Johnson
Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy)
Producer of the Year
“OZEBA” – London — Winner
“Happiness” – Sarz
“Basquiat” – Magicsticks
“HEHEHE” – Rema, Producer X, Cubeatz, Deatz and Klimperboy
“Different Patterns” – Dibs
Afrobeats Album of the Year
HEIS – Rema — Winner
Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn
Music Video of the Year
“EGWU” – Director Pink — Winner
“Charm” – Rema, Perliks and Folarin Oludare
“Metaverse” – Jyde Ajala
“Like Ice Spice” – Perliks and Emeka Shine Shine
“Ojapiano” – Mattmax
“Showa” – TG Omori
“Na Money” – Dammy Twitch
Afrobeats Single of the Year
“Big Baller” – Flavour — Winner
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (feat. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
“Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel
“Egwu” – Chike (feat. Mohbad)
“Remember” – Asake
“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (feat. Davido)
Headies’ Viewers’ Choice
“Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad — Winner
“Big Baller” – Flavour
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (feat. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (feat. Davido)
“Showa” – Kizz Daniel
“Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez
“OZEBA” – Rema
“Love Me Jeje” – Tems
“Cast” – Shallipopi (feat. Odumodublvck)
“Dealer” – Ayo Maff (feat. Fireboy DML)
Headies Next Rated
Odumodublvck — Winner
Qing Madi
Shallipopi
Ayo Maff
Nasboi
Best Digital Artiste of the Year
Davido — Winner
Ayra Starr
Rema
Shallipopi
Tems
Kizz Daniel
Asake
Best East African Artiste of the Year
Juma Jux (Tanzania) — Winner
Bien (Kenya)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Azawi (Uganda)
Music legend 2Baba has officially introduced his new partner, lawmaker Natasha Osawaru, to his family in a video that has since gone viral.
The introduction follows a rocky chapter in 2Baba’s personal life, including a widely publicised breakup with his longtime partner, Annie Macaulay, and an emotional plea from his mother urging Natasha to distance herself from the singer.
Earlier this year, 2Baba’s mother, Rose, made headlines when she tearfully appealed to Natasha to “release” her son from what she described as a troubling relationship.
“This message is for Miss Natasha Osawaru of Edo State. I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg her to free my son,” she stated.
The matriarch’s heartfelt message sparked widespread attention, with many wondering if the family would ever accept Natasha as a part of 2Baba’s life.
However, it appears that Rose has had a change of heart.
According to recent videos, Natasha met with 2Baba’s family, including his mother, in a private gathering that seemed to signify a new chapter in their relationship.
The meeting also included other key family stakeholders.