Justin Bieber has joined the star-studded list of half-time performers who will close out the 2026 World Cup in New York.
The Canadian pop star will perform alongside Madonna, Shakira and K-pop ensemble BTS during the tournament’s first-ever Super Bowl-style half-time show on 19 July.
Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, and the Sesame Street muppets are also set to appear during the 11-minute set, which supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber said.
In the spring, the Yukon and Peaches singer returned to the stage with a nostalgia-fuelled set at the Coachella festival in California – his biggest live show in four years after cancelling his Justice world tour following health issues.
The 32-year-old spent much of the April gig sitting in front of a laptop and singing to YouTube music videos of his older hits, such as Baby, Never Say Never, One Time and Beauty and the Beat.
The FIFA half-time show has been curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and will raise money for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative working to raise $100m (Ksh. 12.9B) for children worldwide.
Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian musician Burna Boy – who were among the performers who opened the tournament across the three North America host nations – will also return to the stage together.
Their global hit “Dai Dai” has dominated music charts and become a fixture at matches since the tournament launched on 11 June.
The biggest-ever tournament kicked off with 48 teams playing across Mexico, Canada and the US, but the national teams for all three host nations have since been eliminated.
Eight teams remain as the quarter-finals resume on Thursday when France meet Morocco in Boston.
Spain and Belgium face off in Los Angeles on Friday and Norway and England meet in Miami on Saturday. Defending world champion Argentina plays Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday as well.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi leads the tournament’s Golden Boot race with eight goals, and has already made history several times over the weeks.
He is trailed by Kylian Mbappé of France and Norway’s Erling Haaland, who both have seven goals, and England’s Harry Kane, who has six.
Nyota ndogo has revealed that her timeless hit song “Nibebe,” released in 2004, holds a special place in her heart.
The song, which became popular soon after its release, helped cement her as one of the stars to watch at the Coast.
In an interview with Wasafi FM, the artist said she was pleased with how the song turned out, revealing that she wrote it from a deeply emotional place and poured her heart into it. She explained that she was in a relationship at the time, although it was struggling.
“Nilikuwa kwenye mapenzi lakini yalikuwa yanayumbayumba,” she explained, and despite the crisis in her own love life, she was able to write “Nibebe”.
She added that she composed “Natafuta,” while going through grief.
Explaining why “Nibebe” holds such deep meaning for her, the artist said the song is rooted in the belief that “love never ends,” making its message universal.
She added that the hit has continued to resonate with audiences over the years, recalling how one fan told her the lyrics helped him win over the woman who later became his wife.
“Wengi wakiongelea Nibebe wanakuambia wajua mimi nina mke na watoto wawili na nilimtongoza kupitia maneno ya nyimbo yako.”
She expressed her joy at knowing the song has played a part in bringing people together and helping build families and relationships, saying that its impact is what matters most to her.
Taylor Swift fans have paid $25 (Ksh. 3232.50) for pieces of trash, including cigarette butts and an ovulation test kit, collected near Swift’s wedding to NFL star Travis Kelce.
A New York artist picked up the garbage last Friday from city streets around Madison Square Garden, where the couple staged a glamorous event for hundreds of celebrity guests amid a global frenzy.
All of the items, sold individually, were snatched up by Wednesday, within 24 hours of sales starting: water bottle caps, ring pop candy, police caution tape, straws, utensils, as well as a single left AirPod.
“It’s getting a lot of Swifties who just want a tangential piece of the wedding,” said Justin Gignac, who is selling the trash on his website New York City Garbage.
Each item, described online as a “sculpture”, is sealed inside a tiny plastic cube to avoid leaking or smells.
Gignac told AFP he has made $1,250 (Ksh. 161,625) from selling 50 items so far, and he may put more on the market.
“I try to commemorate cultural moments in New York City, and this seemed to be a big one, so just capturing a little time capsule from that moment in time,” he said.
Gignac, who sells other city trash on his website, said he tied some of the items into knots to “hammer home the wedding theme.”
He pointed out the garbage was from outside the barriers that surrounded Madison Square Garden for Swift’s wedding, not from inside the venue.
The lavish ceremony last week was closely watched by Swift’s fans, who have followed the 14-time Grammy winner’s love life largely through songs based on her relationships.
Some followers descended on New York in hopes of catching a glimpse of their idol, with the star-studded event that some commentators dubbed a “royal wedding.”
Following its successful run at various international film festivals, the Kenyan Sci-Fi Romance, “Memories of Princess Mumbi”, is coming home.
Distributed by Bigger Motion, the film is expected to premiere in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia from August through September 2026 in a multi-country run.
‘Memories of Princess Mumbi’ will officially debut in Kenya on Thursday, August 7 at a special screening hosted by the distribution company at Prestige Cinema on Ngong Road. Tickets are currently on sale for the event dubbed “homecoming”.
Speaking about the theme for the night, organisers have urged attendees to embrace “Afrofuturism” in their dressing.
“This opening night serves as a celebratory homecoming for the team following the film’s historic world premiere at Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days) section of the Venice International Film Festival (where it was the first Kenyan feature ever selected in competition), the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and the BFI London Film Festival,” organisers said. “To celebrate the film’s futuristic setting, guests are invited to dress up to match the opening night theme: Afrofuturism 2093.”
The cinemas expected to screen the film thereafter are:
Prestige Cinema (Ngong Road),
Unseen Nairobi (Hurligham)
Motion Cinema (Greenspan Mall)
Mega Cinema (Kisumu)
Nyali Cinemax (Mombasa)
Speaking about the film’s “homecoming”, film director Damien Hauser said he was happy the film would finally be watched in Kenya.
“After a long international festival journey, I am incredibly happy that Memory of Princess Mumbi is finally coming home and will now reach audiences across Kenya and East Africa through a proper theatrical release,” said Hauser. “I am deeply grateful to Bigger Motion for making this release possible. More than anything, I wanted to make a film that brings joy, laughter, and warmth, and I cannot wait to finally share it with the audiences it was made for.”
The film is set in a resurrected African kingdom in the year 2093 and follows the character Mumbi, played by Shandra Apondi. The film is shot as a mockumentary filmed by fictional character Kuve, a filmmaker who visits the village of Umata to document a war that has revived ancient kingdoms. While in the village, he meets Mumbi, an actress who challenges him to create his film without using artificial intelligence.
Ms Apondi, who also co-produced the film, says it is an opportunity to showcase a film made with love for the people it represents.
“This film was made with so much love, and I hope that love comes through on screen,” said Apondi. “The story presents Africa and its people beyond the struggles that are so often associated with the continent. Instead, it celebrates our humanity, creativity, humour, and everyday lives. I hope audiences laugh, connect with Mumbi, Kuve, and the other characters, and enjoy watching the film as much as we enjoyed making it.”
FIFA has opened an investigation following allegations of racist abuse involving American social media influencer IShowSpeed and a supporter during Argentina’s 3-2 win over Cape Verde on Friday.
IShowSpeed – who has 57 million subscribers on YouTube and 53 million followers on TikTok – has live-streamed matches during the tournament, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and ex-Barcelona and AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic appearing in some of his broadcasts.
Football’s world governing body said it was made aware of an incident which allegedly occurred at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 3 July, where the last-32 fixture took place, and “immediately initiated an investigation”.
The 21-year-old, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, can be seen in footage on his YouTube channel wearing a Cape Verde kit, in confrontation with an Argentina fan in the stands.
IShowSpeed during match
“The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect,” FIFA said in a statement.
“It brings together people, cultures and communities from around the world, and anyone who acts in a manner that undermines these values is not welcome in our game.”
The alleged abuse of IShowSpeed comes days after France forward Kylian Mbappe labelled a Paraguayan senator as “despicable” and unworthy of her position after she made a number of racist remarks mocking his origin and education.
Celeste Amarilla, of Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, posted her comments on X after her country’s defeat by France in the last 16 of the World Cup.
The French football federation (FFF) has announced plans to file criminal charges, describing Amarilla’s remarks as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable”.
Rastafarians practise meditation using marijuana, and Kenyan members of the movement are awaiting a ruling by the High Court on July 15 on whether they will be allowed to smoke it under the right of freedom of religion.
The Rastafari movement’s followers, often recognisable by their long dreadlocks, identify as mystical, Pan-Africanist, anti-colonialist, and vegetarian.
Kenya effectively recognised the movement in 2019 when a court ruled that expelling a school pupil because of her dreadlocks violated her religious rights.
But local Rastafarians say they are still harassed by police due to a 1994 law that makes possession of weed punishable by 10 years’ imprisonment and a substantial fine.
“Every time I walk on the street, someone will come and want to intimidate me and say, ‘Hey Rastaman, stop’,” said Moses Mudachi Isavwa, who goes by his Rastafarian name of Ras Masinde.
The 50-year-old is proud that his dreadlocks link him to the Mau Mau, Kenya’s independence fighters who fought against British colonial rule, and who often sported dreadlocks.
But Isavwa said his dreadlocks, despite their storied history in Kenya, still attract undue persecution from authorities.
“I’m fighting for the black men and women and children who have gone through persecution; they are rotting now in the dungeon… simply because they were found with maybe a spliff of ganja,” he said.
“They come to your house and search you. They don’t want you to even have two spleens (joints) for smoking,” said Rastafari Society of Kenya spokesperson Mwendwa Wambua, 55, who goes by Ras Prophet.
The numbers are uncertain, but Wambua says the movement is growing in Kenya, especially among young people.
Days before the court verdict, he and a handful of fellow devotees gathered to sing and smoke as part of their Saturday Sabbath celebrations.
Their modest meeting place in Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements, also houses the Haile Selassie Foundation, named after the last Ethiopian emperor.
His coronation occurred around the time the Rastafari movement was forming in Jamaica in the 1930s, and members see him as a second Jesus Christ come to save black people.
The foundation helps young people avoid crime by training them in practical skills, weaving, beadwork, and to teach them about their religion.
While they are still forced to mostly hide from the law, they are optimistic about the case, which has been ongoing since 2021.
As Wambua emphasised: “Smoking weed and marijuana is part of our culture.
Sherehe lovers turned up at Ngong Racecourse for the latest edition of The Millennials Cookout.
The event, built around the 90s and early 2000s, brought nostalgia through music, food, drinks and fashion together.
The day’s biggest moment came from two surprise performances. Jua Cali performed his hit song “Kiasi,” pulling the crowd into a rap-along, while Mr Lenny followed with “Kwaheri,” sending fans down memory lane.
DJs Emvy, Shema, Kronikx, UV and MC BV kept the nostalgic vibes running through the day with 90s and early 2000s classics.
Guests also dressed for the day’s Rodeo Chic theme, showing up in cowboy hats, boots, fringe jackets and denim, while the food lineup included pork barbecue, nyama choma, street food and a range of local dishes, alongside cocktails and other drinks.
Speaking after the event, Millennials Cookout co-founder Dickson Matata said the event “was born out of a simple idea to create a space where our generation could reconnect with the things that shaped us.”
Matata added that this year’s turnout and response showed that “experiences rooted in culture and nostalgia continue to bring people together.”
British singer Lauren Bennett, one of the voices on LMFAO’s 2011 hit song Party Rock Anthem, has died aged 37.
Her former musical group G.R.L. shared the news on its Instagram account Monday.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren,” the statement said. “Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us.”
The statement did not reveal a cause of death, and representatives for Bennett did not immediately respond to the BBC’s request for comment.
Party Rock Anthem has been named the fifth most successful song of all time by Billboard after spending six weeks as the number one song on its Hot 100 in 2011.
Bennett also featured alongside LMFAO members in the song’s music video, which has more than 2.5bn views on YouTube.
In 2014, she joined pop group G.R.L., created as a reboot of The Pussycat Dolls, alongside singers Paula Van Oppen, Natasha Slayton, Simone Battle, and Emmalyn Estrada.
The group’s most popular single was Ugly Heart, released in 2014. They also featured on Pitbull’s song Wild Wild Love that same year.
G.R.L. disbanded in 2015 after Battle died by suicide.
Bennett separately sang on soundtracks for the movies Date Night and 21 Jump Street.
“We will forever cherish the love, laughter, and countless memories she gave us,” G.R.L.’s statement said. “Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved.”
The Rwandan High Commissioner, Ernest Rwamucyo, reserved his warmest regards for Kenya during the celebration of Rwanda’s 32nd Liberation Day’s at the High Commission on Limuru Road.
In his speech, he credited Kenya with playing an integral role in the country’s reconstruction over the last three decades, reiterating that Kenya had remained a steadfast partner in the difficult years following the 1994 Genocide and its transformation into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
“The people and Government of Kenya have contributed significantly to Rwanda’s reconstruction journey, and we sincerely thank them for this enduring friendship,” he said.
The celebration brought together diplomats, government officials, business leaders and friends of Rwanda, some of the guests included United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar, for an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice made by the brave men and women who fought to stop the genocide and under this year’s theme, ‘Rwanda’s Journey Continues’, Kwibohora 32 served as a way for Rwanda to woo investors.
Diplomats and invited guests of the Rwandan High Commission
“Triumph of hope over despair”
Observed annually on July 4, Liberation Day commemorates the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi after the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) stopped the killings and liberated the country. More than one million people were murdered in just 100 days, making it one of the darkest episodes in modern history.
For Rwanda, or at least according to High Commissioner Rwamucyo, the day has come to represent much more than the end of conflict. It symbolises the country’s journey of rebuilding institutions, restoring national unity and pursuing development over the past 32 years.
Addressing guests, the High Commissioner reflected on what liberation continues to mean for Rwanda.
“Liberation Day occupies a unique and sacred place in Rwanda’s history. It is much more than the commemoration of a military victory,” he said. “It represents the triumph of hope over despair, unity over division, courage over fear and nationhood over the destructive politics that once sought to destroy our country.”
The High Commissioner described liberation as an ongoing responsibility rather than a completed chapter, saying Rwanda’s progress has been built on justice, accountability, inclusion and a determination never to return to the divisions that once tore the country apart.
“For Rwandans, liberation is therefore a continuing journey rather than a destination. It is the freedom to determine our own future. It is the responsibility to build institutions founded on justice and accountability.
“It is the commitment to reject discrimination in all its forms and to place every citizen at the centre of national development. Liberation means empowering every child with access to education, every family with better health care, every entrepreneur with opportunities to innovate and every citizen with confidence in the future of their country.”
Ambassador Patrick Wamoto
Representing the Government of Kenya and the Chief Guest of the event, Ambassador Patrick Wamoto described Rwanda’s recovery as an inspiration not only to Africa but to the world.
“Kwibohora is not simply a date on the calendar. It is the defining moment that commemorates the liberation of Rwanda and the end of the genocide against the Tutsi, a tragedy in which more than one million lives were lost in 100 days. It remains one of the darkest chapters in the history of humanity, and the world must never forget this lesson.”
Having previously overseen Kenya-Rwanda relations during his diplomatic career, Wamoto recalled witnessing the country’s rebuilding efforts firsthand, including the opening of Kenya’s embassy in Kigali and programmes that supported Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery.
He said Rwanda’s progress demonstrated what could be achieved through visionary leadership and national unity.
“Rwanda’s journey from unimaginable tragedy to renewal stands as a powerful reminder that even from the deepest wounds a nation can rise stronger, united by a common purpose and a shared destiny. Thirty-two years later, Rwanda stands as a testament to what visionary leadership, national unity, resilience and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of its people can achieve.”
He added that Kenya and Rwanda would continue strengthening their partnership through trade, regional integration and peace-building efforts.
“Kenya greatly values its close friendship with Rwanda, a relationship anchored in mutual respect, shared aspirations and a common commitment to regional integration and African solidarity. Our two countries continue to work together in advancing peace, security, trade and sustainable development for the benefit of our peoples.”
The celebration also featured traditional and colourful performances by the Iikoobe cultural dance troupe as well as a commemorative cake donated by Utalii College to mark the occasion before guests were treated to an early dinner as they mingled.
Pop superstar Taylor Swift and American football player Travis Kelce have officially tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony officiated by comedian Adam Sandler.
The pair both donned Christian Dior, according to Swift’s longtime publicist, and elected to skip bridesmaids and groomsmen. Instead, Swift’s brother Austin Swift served as her Man of Honour and retired American footballer Jason Kelce was the groom’s Best Man.
The event at Madison Square Garden shuttered one of Manhattan’s busiest corridors and brought out Hollywood’s A-list for what was likely the bash of the century.
Actors Hugh Grant and Jason Sudeikis, singer Benson Boone and model Gigi Hadid were among those spotted.
Hoards of fans huddled outside throughout the day Friday, some singing Swift tunes and donning concert merch, while others climbed scaffolding hoping to catch a better view of the festivities.
The celebration at the arena kicked off on Thursday with a much smaller event, where a reported 100 people were thought to attend. A permit filed with New York City officials called the event a “pre-party”.
On Friday, a much larger event led to a tent being erected outside the arena that doubled in size from Thursday. A stream of blacked-out SUVs pulled through the structure, allowing many guests to shield their arrival while streets in Midtown Manhattan were closed to traffic. Crews at the sport arena set up curtains and gazebos for the massive event.
Swift’s longtime publicist Tree Paine confirmed to the BBC that the two wed on Friday in New York City and offered details from the ceremony. Around the same time, Madison Square Garden lit up massive signs around the complex reading “JUST&T MARRIED” – a nod to both Taylor and Travis’s names.
Paine said Swift and Kelce wore wedding ceremony looks designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections, in close collaboration with the bride and groom.
“This is the designer’s first couture wedding dress for a world-renowned celebrity,” Paine said in a statement, adding that their shoes were custom-made by Christian Louboutin and the bride wore Cartier jewellery.
Throughout the day, excitement filled the air, with a heavy police presence in the stifling heat. Temperatures reached 37C (98.6F).
US actor Ethan Hawke was among the stream of celebs seen at the venue
The New York City Police (NYPD) closed the streets around the arena at midday, closing them off completely to vehicles and pedestrian traffic, which were diverted by barriers.
Even with curtains and tents erected to shield guests from the barrage of news cameras and anxious fans, many captured celebrity guests leaving hotels and arriving to the venue. Model Gigi Hadid, in a pink sparkly dress, and actor boyfriend Bradley Cooper were spotted on the way to the ceremony. Singer Benson Boone and actress Dakota Johnson were also photographed.
Actors Hugh Grant, Ethan Hawke, Jason Sudeikis and several members of Kelce’s football team were among those seen arriving to the wedding in plain view, while other A-list guests exited their vehicles under the enormous tent for privacy. Also spotted was TV presenter Graham Norton, who was famously invited to the ceremony when Swift appeared on BBC’s The Graham Norton Show.
Swifties – the singer’s legion of fans – of all ages lined every block in the vicinity of the arena. As more blacked-out vehicles entered the area, the more excited the crowd grew, with several craning their necks to peek at the stars exiting their vehicles.
Some chanted lyrics to their favourite Swift songs or cheered “we love you Taylor!”, hoping the pop queen was somewhere within earshot. As the event begun, fans adorned in Swift memorabilia climbed city scaffolding and cheered for anyone who walked past.
On Thursday, a stream of black SUVs pulled up to the venue with guests dropped off under a white canopy tent. High-profile friends of the couple, from actress Lena Dunham to frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff were spotted in formal attire for the rumoured rehearsal dinner.
The two-day celebrations – featuring the takeover of part of America’s biggest city and a laundry list of A-list guests – has been dubbed the wedding of the century and has attracted attention globally that typically is reserved for royal weddings.
US singer Benson Boone, right, donned a tux at Madison Square Garden
On its own, taking over Madison Square Garden – an iconic fixture in NYC – is a feat requiring millions. Then the couple also closed down the area, which includes one of the city’s primary transit hubs. The spectacle showcased the power the couple holds, with Swift widely recognised as one of the globe’s most powerful and famous people.
Their two-day wedding celebrations led news broadcasts, lit up the Empire State Building in NYC and spurred millions in online betting markets as details of their nuptials left people speculating for weeks.
Pop culture critic Kristen Meinzer told the BBC that the couple is meaningful because Swift and Kelce are from two important worlds when it comes to pop culture and American identity.
“We worship at the throne of music and football, these are all the things we love in America married together,” she said.
New York City also has a long-standing ethos of treating celebrities as part of the fabric of everyday life rather than as spectacles too.
“We aren’t people who run up to our celebrities, we usually leave them alone,” Meinzer added.
The Pennsylvania-born singer has been based in New York since 2014 – when she bought two adjoining Tribeca penthouses for $20 million (£15 million) and combined them into one massive living space.
She fell in love with the city after discovering she could go shopping without being bothered, saying that she was “physically different since” moving there. The move also inspired her 1989 album track Welcome to New York.
Kelce, who is based in Kansas for his American football career, was introduced to the Big Apple when he started dating Swift in 2023.
The couple likely spent tens of tens of millions of dollars to rent out the iconic arena, planning experts told the BBC.
Ahead of the festivities, the billionaire singer and wealthy athlete donated $26m (approx. £19.5m) to more than 20 charities – though made no mention of a wedding.
To many, though, the 20,000-capacity arena – which hosts concerts and sports matches with beer-drinking fans – felt like an unusual choice for the couple, though the venue does boast an unusual level of privacy because of its lack of windows and underground access points. But many said if anyone could transform the arena into a wedding wonderland, it would be Swift.
“I thought it was going to be more gardens, more flowers, more tropical. Something more fancy, something more Taylor Swift,” Canadian teen Emily told the BBC outside the venue.
New York resident Rose said it was “sort of absurd” that the couple shut down the busy streets around the arena, but believes the ceremony would be beautiful “because it’s Taylor Swift”.
“I hope it’s a beautiful wedding…but I think they should do it somewhere that’s less inconveniencing to general populace of New York City,” she laughed.
Fans broke out into cheers outside Madison Square Garden when the just-married signs lit up outside the arena.
Fan Tara Rosales was one of the many who were unconvinced the wedding would actually take place at the famed arena.
“I knew that she was going to get married in New York but I had no idea where. So I can’t believe it, I’m actually shook and I’m so excited,” she said.
“She’s never an inconvenience. Taylor can do whatever she wants.”
Actor Hugh Grant and wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein were two of the expected 1,000 guests
