Entertainment
Nara Smith Seeks Retraction In Defamation Dispute With SA Content Creator
A feud between South African influencer Onezwa Mbola and US TikTok star Nara Smith has intensified, culminating in Nara threatening legal action against Onezwa for defamation.
The conflict began when Onezwa, a MasterChef SA contestant renowned for her from-scratch cooking videos, accused Nara of copying her content, style, and even voice-over techniques.
Nara Smith, who has 7.7 million followers and over 300 million likes on TikTok, responded by sending a formal demand letter to Onezwa. In the letter, she addressed the allegations head-on:
“I am writing to address a serious matter regarding your recent statements accusing me of stealing your content. You have publicly claimed that I stole your videos related to Boba tea and mozzarella cheese, which is untrue and damaging to my reputation,” Smith wrote. She emphasized that these allegations were entirely false and had caused significant harm to her personal and professional reputation.
“These allegations are entirely false. The videos in question are not my original creations, and I have all the necessary proof of this on the social media platform TikTok. Your false accusations have caused significant harm to my personal and professional reputation,” she continued. Nara demanded a public retraction from Onezwa, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action for defamation.
“This email serves as a formal notice that if you don’t retract your statements and cease making defamatory claims immediately, I will have no choice but to pursue legal action against you for defamation of character. I strongly urge you to take this matter seriously and to address it promptly to avoid further legal consequences.”
The feud traces back to accusations that Nara began mimicking Onezwa’s distinctive style of cooking videos, which feature ingredients she has raised, grown, or foraged herself.
Fans have pointed out the similarities and accused Nara of copying Onezwa’s persona and recipes. The debate has also highlighted the disparity in earnings, with TikTok’s creator fund unavailable to South African creators like Onezwa, while Nara potentially benefits financially from her large following.
Entertainment
Fave Takes the Spotlight As Spotify’s Equal Africa Artist For November
Spotify has named Nigerian music sensation FAVE as its EQUAL Africa Artist of the Month for November 2024.
With her soulful voice, captivating lyrics, and unique rhythmic style, FAVE has become one of Nigeria’s most influential musical figures, gaining international recognition.
FAVE’s breakthrough came in 2020 with the viral hit “N.B.U.,” followed by her debut EP Riddim 5. She has since collaborated with top Nigerian artists like Olamide, Simi, Phyno, and Davido. Notably, her feature on Davido’s “Kante” from the Timeless album was one of Spotify’s most-streamed tracks in Nigeria in 2023.
Reflecting on her journey, FAVE shared, “Being a woman in the music industry can be challenging, but it’s made me more determined. The EQUAL program is vital because it amplifies women’s voices and promotes balance in the industry.”
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, praised FAVE’s global appeal, saying, “FAVE represents the incredible talent coming out of Africa, and we’re proud to celebrate her as part of the EQUAL Africa program. She’s an inspiration for future artists.”
She recently released a new track titled Dutty Love on November 7.
Entertainment
Kenyan Music Producer DTX Encourages Listeners To Get ‘High’ On Life’s Wins With New Single
Kenyan music producer and songwriter DTX is set to make waves with the release of his newest single, High.
Known for his dynamic production style that seamlessly blends a wide array of genres—including pop, electronic, hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, afrobeat, trap, drill, dubstep, and EDM—DTX continues to push boundaries in Kenya’s music scene. This versatility is on full display in High, a track that promises to resonate with music lovers everywhere.
High is an energizing, celebratory track that encapsulates the pure joy of life’s victories. Whether it’s a milestone, a special moment, or a burst of confidence, the song is a call to revel in life’s highs, whatever they may be. Through this single, DTX creates a universal message aimed at inspiring happiness and self-assurance across all walks of life.
“I made this track so people can embrace and cherish their highs, whatever form they take,” says DTX. “Whether it’s love, success, career achievements, or personal growth, I want listeners to celebrate themselves and feel proud.”
DTX has earned acclaim for producing some of Kenya’s most beloved tracks, including Sauti Sol’s Rhumba Japani, Savara’s Balance, and Nyashinski’s Silencer. His unique touch and dedication to innovation have cemented his reputation as one of Kenya’s leading music producers.
With High, DTX invites fans to reflect on their accomplishments, big or small, and add a soundtrack to their personal triumphs. The track is a reminder to take a moment, let loose, and enjoy life’s special moments with unbridled joy.
Entertainment
Pop Star Ariana Grande Slows Down Music To Embrace Musical Theatre Roots
Ariana Grande recently shared her plans to slow down her music career, a move she knows might surprise her fans.
Speaking on the ‘Las Culturistas’ podcast, the 31-year-old pop star revealed how playing Glinda the Good Witch in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation has reignited her love for musical theatre. While she promised not to abandon music entirely, Grande explained she no longer envisions keeping up her intense pop music pace.
“It is my heart,” she said, adding, “I’m always going to make music and perform, but not at the rate I have been for the past 10 years.”
Grande, whose career began with the Broadway musical 13 at age 15, reflected on the joy of returning to her roots. “Reconnecting with this part of myself and finding roles to use my comedy and musical theatre background has been healing,” she shared, emphasizing the emotional importance of this shift.
The former Victorious star acknowledged the mixed reactions to her casting as Glinda, admitting on the ‘Sentimental Man’ podcast that she felt the need to prove herself. “It has to be earned,” she said, highlighting the training she undertook to prepare.
Grande aims to balance her love for theatre with continued work in music—at a pace that feels more sustainable for her future.
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